Carmichael students learn to soar with flight simulators
Carmichaels Area School District
Library media specialist Cassandra Menhart has high hopes for the students at Carmichaels Area Middle and Senior High schools.
After the school’s maintenance supervisor, certified pilot Dave Franks, suggested adding a flight simulator to the library, Menhart was intrigued.
“I did a little research and learned about the demand for pilots and thought we might be able to pique student interest in aviation by providing this resource in the library,” she said.
She reached out to Carmichael’s alumni for donations, and the school received an innovation grant that allowed her to purchase two flight simulators for the library.
“Our simulators offer hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities that allow students to explore aviation concepts and develop valuable skills, even without a formal program in place,” Menhart said.
As a pilot, Franks adds to the students’ education, offering “invaluable insights, guidance and real-world experience to enhance their learning journey,” Menhart said.
The school has partnered with the nonprofit SOAR of Greene County and the Greene County Airport, both of which help to provide aviation experiences for students.
“Through their partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), they give our students the opportunity to fly through the Young Eagles program,” Menhart said.
The free program offers aviation education to children from ages 8-17 and gives them the chance to go up in the air with a pilot.
In Carmichaels Middle School, students also learn about aviation during library media classes.
Menhart said sixth and seventh grade students gain an understanding of the theory of flight while on the simulators. Franks and experienced high school students also help teach the middle school students.
Middle school students also have the opportunity to attend a summer aviation camp.
“The camp exposes students to all things aviation. We invite pilots from military and commercial aviation careers to speak to the students about their careers and education,” Menhart said.
During the camp last summer, a drone pilot spoke to the students and then they were able to fly drones at the football stadium, she said.
The campers fly missions on the flight simulators in the library, and the weeklong camp ends with the Young Eagle rides at the Greene County Airport.
“Our program introduces students to aviation and STEM concepts in an engaging and practical way, fostering interest in aviation fields from a young age. It also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills as students navigate simulated flight scenarios,” said Menhart. “Our goal is to inspire career exploration in aviation-related fields.”