EAA Chapter 143 STEM Training Program Mission
The mission of the EAA Chapter 143 STEM Training Program was originally created to introduce high-school aged students the basic information and skills as a preparatory step to more formalized and accredited general aviation flight instruction. Using a combination of classroom didactic classes along with a PC based flight simulation program we teach the students the very basic pilot skills. In our basic program we provide six one hour classes. In these six classes the following didactic skills taught are: Flight Instruments, Aerodynamics, VFR Sectional, Dead Reckoning Navigation, US Controlled Air Space and Aircraft Systems.
The flight simulation training is conducted using Xplane11/12 software. We built our multiscreen flight simulators from scratch using a 1inch by 1inch metal square tube welded frames and three 42 inch monitors. We use both yokes and joysticks on the systems. We also have added RealSym GNS 430 and 530 GPS systems to provide hands on aviation GPS programming and navigation skills training.
Although primarily designed with high school students in mind, the program is not offered exclusively to high school students. Since the training is in a personalized one-on-one atmosphere, we can also offer the training syllabus to anyone exploring a hobby or career in flying. The program focuses on the basics of flight training, so the student can save time (and money) as a preparation for accredited formal flight training. We have had students move on to college level flight training and feedback from their instructors has validated our approach. It also reinforces to students that simulators can be used for more than just video gaming.
