Redbird CTE Sim Lab at SUN 'n FUN (6th-12 Grade)

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 17 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 11 years. He also works with school districts throughout the county helping them build their own aeronautics programming.

This year, Redbird is happy to announce that we can accommodate up to 20 students in each class!

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 SUN 'n FUN!

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Info: As you might expect, there are a few rules when it comes to flying airplanes. Okay, there are a lot of rules when it comes to flying airplanes. In this class, we will focus on a few of those rules and find out why they exist and how to make sure we comply with them. Then, you will use your flight simulator and see if you can fly within those rules.

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!

Info: This is our annual finale to our SUN ‘n FUN CTE Sim Lab. This class is open to students who have taken at least one of EACH of the classes listed above. You will compete in custom missions and flying that apply all of those classes you have taken this week. The winner of the challenge cup will not just go down in the annals of Aeronautics history, they will also receive some small prize we will no doubt come up with at the last minute. But it will be fun nonetheless!

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