2026 Redbird CTE Sim Lab at AirVenture Booth #301 (6th-12 Grade)
About this Event
Greg Roark is the Director of K-12 Education at Redbird Flight. He has degrees in K-12 Education, is an FAA Advanced Ground/Instrument Instructor, an instrument-rated pilot, a Part 107 Commercial Drone Operator, and a motivational speaker. For 18 years, “Mr. R” has been an aeronautics instructor teaching in classrooms all across this great nation of ours including on the grounds of AirVenture for 12 years. He also works with school districts throughout the county helping them build their own aeronautics programming.
This year, we can accommodate up to 12 students in each class! Also, to promote fairness in attendance, 6 seats can be reserved in advance while the other 6 seats will be available to be booked the day of the classes.
NEW THIS YEAR!
- New Classes: a mix of our favorites and some new twists
- New Times: each class is 90 minutes long EXCEPT the Navigation classes which 2 hours in duration
- New Class Rating System: Level 1 - 5. 1 is the easiest with 5 being the most challenging. This helps parents match up their child’s skill level to the challenge of the class.
- New Instructor: Jon Hall has recently been named Development Manager for K-12 Education at Redbird Flight. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership. He is also a Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII), an Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), and a Part 107 Commercial Drone Operator. He recently retired from public education after a 32-year career in which he served as a coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and, most recently, the aviation instructor at Cumberland County High School in Crossville, Tennessee. In his new role, he looks forward to helping expand and support aviation education programs for students across the country. Welcome to the team, Jon!
Special Note to All Parents: We need your help for these classes to run smoothly. Please be sure that you understand the age range for our classes. The material we cover is written specifically for this age group. Younger students would struggle with the content and therefore find these classes frustrating. We work hard to ensure that each student who participates, regardless of their skill level, receives a worthwhile experience. Our rules exist to support that mission. Also, please make sure that your child knows that unruly or disrespectful behavior will result in their removal from the class. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you and your children at AirVenture!
Monday, July 20
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
“Straighten Up & Fly Right” – An Introduction to Flight and Aviation. Level I
Info: It’s more than just a toe-tapping tune by Nat King Cole, circa 1943; it is also great advice. As we learn to fly, the three basic elements we must master before we can really go anywhere are airspeed, altitude, and heading. Once we can do these three things, then we can start having some real fun. This class is designed to help you get there. Level I
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
"What Makes an Airplane Fly?" - Aerodynamics, Physics, and Flight. Level II
Info: You might think you know the answer to this question, but do you really? Come find out what really makes an airplane fly and then get to test that theory on our flight simulators. This might not be as easy as you think. Level II
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
“What’s Your Vector, Victor?” - Following ATC Instructions. Level III
Info: While navigating the skies all willy-nilly might seem appealing, it is generally considered bad form and we shan't have it. Otherwise, at some point, a controller is going to want a word with you. They manage the flow of travel by providing specific headings and altitudes—known as vectors—to keep everyone separated and safe. This course focuses on the art of following those precise directions to ensure you arrive exactly where you are expected. (Note: This is a Level III class, so be ready for a challenge!)
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
"Wow, It's Windy" - Basic Aviation Weather Topics. Level II
Info: Does wind make a difference in aviation? What happens in my airplane when the wind blows? Where does it come from? Why do we have wind in the first place? Why am I asking so many questions? Come to this class for all the answers to basic weather theory and practice. Level II
Tuesday, July 21
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
"CSN = Can't See Nothin'!" – Intro to Instrument Flying. Level V
Info: In aviation, we have all sorts of acronyms. This one really isn’t official, but it’s one that can make an impression. You may have heard about instrument flying, but you may not have had a chance to actually do it. Pop into this class and see just how challenging instrument flying can be. And by the way, this is definitely NOT a beginner class. You have been warned! Level V
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
“What’s Your Vector, Victor?” - Following ATC Instructions. Level III
Info: While navigating the skies all willy-nilly might seem appealing, it is generally considered bad form and we shan't have it. Otherwise, at some point, a controller is going to want a word with you. They manage the flow of travel by providing specific headings and altitudes—known as vectors—to keep everyone separated and safe. This course focuses on the art of following those precise directions to ensure you arrive exactly where you are expected. (Note: This is a Level III class, so be ready for a challenge!)
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
"How to Talk Pilot" – Aviation Communications. Level V
Info: So, you hop in an airplane, pop on those ear warmers, and you’re qualified to talk pilot. Right?! Woah there, Luke Skywalker! This is not going to be quite as easy as you think. Would it surprise you to know that, in aviation, people are going to expect you to verbally communicate with some form of standard phraseology? Oh, and did I mention active listening? You gotta know before you go, so let's learn how. (Students voted this the most challenging class of AirVenture the last 3 years, so be advised.) Level V
Wednesday, July 22
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
"Landing . . . with Physics" - Physics and Flight. Level III
Info: Somewhere along the way, I was informed that the ability to land is somewhat vital if you intend to fly more than once. Assuming that logic holds, it seems reasonable that you should learn the craft. However, rather than spoon-feeding you procedural checklists, we are going to dive deep into the physics of the maneuver and let you piece the puzzle together on your own! Does that sound like a challenge? You bet it is. (Note: This is a Level III course, so come prepared.)
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
"Wow, It's REALLY Windy!" - Advanced Aviation Weather. Level III
Info: Now it’s time to get into some more advanced weather theory and practice. You will find out what turbulence is all about, where it comes from, and start learning how to make good decisions regarding when to fly. Again, this may not be as easy as you think. (It would be helpful to have taken the “Wow, It’s Windy” class before this one.) Level III
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
(K-12 Educators, Admins & Parents): “How to Bring Aeronautics into Your Class
Info: This is a workshop for K-12 Educators, Administrators and Parents who may have an interest in creating an Aeronautics Program in your school. We will discuss the benefits of an aeronautics education, the things to consider before you start, successful implementation strategies, and some of the potential pitfalls of improper planning.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
"Oh, The Places You'll Go!" – Aviation Navigation. Level IV
Info: This is not just my favorite Dr. Seuss book title. It also describes the world that opens up to you when you are able to fly an airplane from one place to another. Join us in this class to learn how to do just that. (This class is a little bit more advanced, so it would be helpful if you have taken at least one of the previous classes.) Level IV
Thursday, July 23
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
“What’s Your Vector, Victor?” - Following ATC Instructions. Level III
Info: While navigating the skies all willy-nilly might seem appealing, it is generally considered bad form and we shan't have it. Otherwise, at some point, a controller is going to want a word with you. They manage the flow of travel by providing specific headings and altitudes—known as vectors—to keep everyone separated and safe. This course focuses on the art of following those precise directions to ensure you arrive exactly where you are expected. (Note: This is a Level III class, so be ready for a challenge!)
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
"Wow, It's Windy!" - Basic Aviation Weather. Level II
Info: Does wind make a difference in aviation? What happens in my airplane when the wind blows? Where does it come from? Why do we have wind in the first place? Why am I asking so many questions? Come to this class for all the answers to basic weather theory and practice. Level II
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
“Straighten Up & Fly Right” – An Introduction to Flight and Aviation. Level I
Info: It’s more than just a toe-tapping tune by Nat King Cole, circa 1943; it is also great advice. As we learn to fly, the three basic elements we must master before we can really go anywhere are airspeed, altitude, and heading. Once we can do these three things, then we can start having some real fun. This class is designed to help you get there. Level I
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
"Landing . . . with Physics" - Physics and Flight. Level III
Info: Somewhere along the way, I was informed that the ability to land is somewhat vital if you intend to fly more than once. Assuming that logic holds, it seems reasonable that you should learn the craft. However, rather than spoon-feeding you procedural checklists, we are going to dive deep into the physics of the maneuver and let you piece the puzzle together on your own! Does that sound like a challenge? You bet it is. (Note: This is a Level III course, so come prepared.)
Friday, July 24
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
"Wow, It's REALLY Windy!" - Advanced Aviation Weather. Level III
Info: Now it’s time to get into some more advanced weather theory and practice. You will find out what turbulence is all about, where it comes from, and start learning how to make good decisions regarding when to fly. Again, this may not be as easy as you think. (It would be helpful to have taken the “Wow, It’s Windy” class before this one.) Level III
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
"How to Talk Pilot" – Aviation Communications. Skill Level V
Info: So, you hop in an airplane, pop on those ear warmers, and you’re qualified to talk pilot. Right?! Woah there, Luke Skywalker! This is not going to be quite as easy as you think. Would it surprise you to know that, in aviation, people are going to expect you to verbally communicate with some form of standard phraseology? Oh, and did I mention active listening? You gotta know before you go, so let's learn how. (Students voted this the most challenging class of AirVenture the last 3 years, so be advised.) Level V
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
“Straighten Up & Fly Right” – An Introduction to Flight and Aviation. Level I
Info: It’s more than just a toe-tapping tune by Nat King Cole, circa 1943; it is also great advice. As we learn to fly, the three basic elements we must master before we can really go anywhere are airspeed, altitude, and heading. Once we can do these three things, then we can start having some real fun. This class is designed to help you get there. Level I
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
"Oh, The Places You'll Go!" – Aviation Navigation. Skill Level IV
Info: This is not just my favorite Dr. Seuss book title. It also describes the world that opens up to you when you are able to fly an airplane from one place to another. Join us in this class to learn how to do just that. (This class is a little bit more advanced, so it would be helpful if you have taken at least one of the previous classes.) Level IV
Saturday, July 25
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
"What Makes an Airplane Fly?" - Aerodynamics, Physics, and Flight. Level II
Info: You might think you know the answer to this question, but do you really? Come find out what really makes an airplane fly and then get to test that theory on our flight simulators. This might not be as easy as you think. Level II
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
"CSN = Can't See Nothin'!" – Intro to Instrument Flying. Level V
Info: In aviation, we have all sorts of acronyms. This one really isn’t official, but it’s one that can make an impression. You may have heard about instrument flying, but you may not have had a chance to actually do it. Pop into this class and see just how challenging instrument flying can be. And by the way, this is definitely NOT a beginner class. You have been warned! Level V
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
"Landing . . . with Physics" - Physics and Flight. Skill Level III
Info: Somewhere along the way, I was informed that the ability to land is somewhat vital if you intend to fly more than once. Assuming that logic holds, it seems reasonable that you should learn the craft. However, rather than spoon-feeding you procedural checklists, we are going to dive deep into the physics of the maneuver and let you piece the puzzle together on your own! Does that sound like a challenge? You bet it is. (Note: This is a Level III course, so come prepared.)
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Redbird Challenge Cup - Compete to Win!
Info: This is our annual finale to our Oshkosh AirVenture CTE Sim Lab. This event is open to students who have taken at least ONE OF EACH of the classes listed above. Students will compete in custom missions and flying where you will apply all of the lessons from all of the classes you have taken this week. The winner of the challenge cup will not just go down in the annals of Redbird Aeronautics history, but they will also receive my undying respect - and some small prize we will no doubt come up with at the last minute. But it will be fun nonetheless! SO DO IT!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
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