Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 04.14.06

Our fine friends at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide a surprising amount of on-line material to use in school classrooms. Educators can choose from dozens of programs grouped by grade level. Each program includes a lesson plan with precise instructions as to how to learn a topic in aviation, and in many cases how to relate that topic to non-flying skills in math, geography and other disciplines.

The primary school level includes programs teaching about engines, communication and the phonetic alphabet, and weather decision-making.  Lessons explore things like human reaction times and how to build a kite.

Programs for intermediate-level students (grades 4 through 6) explore laws of motion, biography, introductory aerodynamics and botany. They include interdisciplinary lessons that use air pressure measurement to teach math, science, social studies, language arts and even health and physical education.

On the middle school level (grades 7-8) programs expand on the earlier lessons but at a greater depth. They require more work but also teach more detail.

High school lessons focus more on calculations, following directions, writing and recording data and following through with the experimental process. Emphasis is on learning and exploring possible careers.

Aero-tip of the day: Even if you’re not a teacher, take a look at the FAA’s Educator’s Corner lesson plans for kids. You may find a fun activity for your children, Scout troops and other organizations that encourage learning through aviation-related activities.

FMI: Aero-Tips