October Skies
October Skies, a great joint chapter experiment is now in the rear-view. It was a gathering of talent and resources with the aim of providing a deeper and more involved aviation experience for high school students interested in aviation. For those not involved in this rally, here is a little explanation as to what transpired. At the request of our Chapter, to the south, 231
Chesterfield, EAA 1099 joined with Chapters 1563, Gordonsville and 186 Manassas in developing a series of training events across a spectrum of ground and air activities. Our target was a rally over Saturday, 12October at Shannon Airport.
For the most part, each chapter focused on a particular training event. 231 and 186 developed an EAA program involving helium balloons, remote control engines from Styrofoam toys, tongue depressors, tape, clay weight material and imagination. Teams of 4 teens designed a powered and remote-controlled balloon that could be remotely flown in a figure eight pattern along a fixed course. With a little prodding, each team experimented with ballast, balance, and approaches to control that accomplished the task in slightly different ways. It was a great learning experience for the teens and their monitors/instructors. Chapter 1099 provided a chart and planning session to familiarize the teens in planning and procedures involved in typical cross-country flights. With assistance from all chapters, 1099 headed controlled movement of aircraft, security and safety on the ramp.
The Virginia Aviation brought an ICON float plane on a trailer and an associated flight simulator van for the teens to apply their skills.
Luke Curtas, owner of Shannon Airport, provided operating space in his executive hanger and its ramp area to efficiently conduct our training. He also authorized free access to the Shannon Air Museum for parents and participants.
The chapter ladies worked well together to keep things flowing, admin items fulfilled and teens assigned to activities.
The pilots were asked to provide a kind of first-time flight training experience to their assigned student.
Generally, an hour was allotted for each sortie and an in-depth introduction to all aspects of flight was encouraged. Demonstration of preflight activities, airfield and flight operations, flight characteristics and post flight were offered to most flyers resulting in a great deal of questions and discussion. This was particularly well done.
Our ground crews were treated to Merry’s, Chuck Wagon style, Pork Bar-B-Q, soda, Homemade cookiesand beans. No one had to go home hungry.
In all, this was a great learning experience. The airport and generally chapters seemed willing to try this again. If so, we now know how to search for, invite and grow student participation. We know that the balloon project was a hit and got the teens thinking and working together. New projects are available and we have adequate time to prepare a new activity or
two, and for the adults to have fun testing ideas. The broad experience, over 7 hours, seemed to keep our students moving and interested. Parents seemed very pleased with the whole event and instructors saw promise in many of those they worked with. It was a job well done considering a first-time joint activity.
Thank you everyone involved:
- Chapter 186, Bob Prange, Judy Sparks, Curtis Smith,
Allen Osborn - Chapter 231, Brutus and Nancy Russell, Barry and
Ann Toole, Doug Hanson, Dave and Sue Auerbach, Al
Wessbecher, Stephen and Susan Cabiroy - Chapter 1099, Rolly & Merry Babcock, Dick (Cameraman) and Gail Merrill, Joel McGee, Dave
Whitman, Bob O’Nell, Mike Nichols - Chapter 1563, Fred Rollins
- Shannon Airport, Luke Curtas, Kristen Curtas-Barhnum, Alec Bryner and the Museum Docents
Hopefully, all are accounted for here. My apologies to anyone who may have missed in this listing. All who
contributed are greatly appreciated.
Rolly Babcock, EAA 1099
