A CHILD'S FASCINATION WITH FLIGHT

The best way to explore the physics of flight is by flying! Our annual field trip to iFly indoor skydiving allows students to experience the effects of wind in the most personal and relevant way. We take an interdisciplinary approach to STEM. Students will learn the engineering of wind tunnels and the aerodynamics of skydiving. Calculating the time it takes to travel, altitudes and velocity shows how math is used to obtain very useful information.

A SHORTAGE OF PILOTS IN THE FUTURE

• 1992 - 90% of pilots hired in 1992 had military backgrounds

• 2008 - Only 28% of pilots had military backgrounds

• 51.6 is the average age of an American Airlines pilot

• 83 American Airlines pilots are under 40 years of age

• 560 American Airlines pilots are over 60 years of age

• Fewer pilots are certified to meet the demand

PRESERVING THE LEGACY

“Helping Youth Fulfil Their Promise” was this year’s theme of the recently concluded Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) national convention.  It’s National Youth Academy provided opportunities to enjoy hands-on interaction, behind the scenes exposure, in-depth discussions and a planned introductory training flight, all of which tied directly to the mission and goals of TAI objectives.  Participants gained an appreciation of the story and lessons of America’s first Black military aviators, the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and their legacy of determination, education, perseverance and patience as necessary skills in achieving success in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

In 2016, the local Kansas City TAI chapter began developing a similarly supportive relationship with STEMS on the VINES/KC Creators Clubs.  We see this as an appropriate path to help expand an awareness of the impact and contributions of lesser-known pioneering minority aviators on international history. Our joint venture will expand an awareness of the vast opportunities in the field of aviation and careers in the aerospace industry.  STEMS provides a platform for meeting today’s youth in a stimulating arena where a formula for yesterday’s successes may be explored as a roadmap for their positive futures.

ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO BE PILOTS 

Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and Rosie the Riveter are iconic American heroes. We need to let our girls know these important roles in history. Beyond this, women can and must find their space to help fashion the future of aviation. We must give our young ladies many experiences with flight, physics, astrophysics, air traffic control terminology, programming and aeronautic engineering.

PROGRAMMING: A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE NASA SPACE MISSIONS

The film "Hidden Figures" documents the critical role of women of color in programming the trajectory of NASA space flights. Our Board member Dr. Mozilla Dyer was instrumental in configuring the specifications for NASA space suits that astronauts wore. She is a tremendous role model for all of our STEMS students.