Fly A Teacher
Why Fly a Teacher?
General aviation's future is sitting in the classrooms of America today. Pilots can help secure that future: Fly A Teacher.
Airplanes — a natural attraction for youngsters — make exciting teaching aids for elementary school math students, eighth-grade science classes and high school physics courses.
Weight and balance problems, weather, the laws of aerodynamics, and crosswind computations cover the full range of elementary and secondary science topics. Even first graders can visit airports and talk about what they learned.
Most teachers — like the public at large — have little firsthand experience with general aviation. Give them a flight and point them toward AOPA as a source of materials. We'll take care of the rest!
Finding a Teacher
You may already know at least one teacher. He or she may be your child's math or physical education teacher, a principal, a career counselor, or a neighbor. Offer those you know a flight, and ask their help in making the proper contacts with the school.
AOPA has found the Fly A Teacher program is more effective when aimed at elementary and secondary school teachers.
If you can't reach a teacher through personel contacts, call the principal's office of a local school and describe the program. It's best to have the permission of the principal before proceeding, since special insurance requirements may apply.
The principal's office may direct you to a faculty member who will help find teachers who would like to participate. You could also place a notice in the faculty newsletter or Parent-Teacher-Student Association publication.
Let interested principals and teachers know you are participating in a national program designed to further the understanding of general aviation, that no cost is involved, and that the flight can be scheduled at their convenience.
Tips for Success
Do...Fly on a pleasant, VFR day; getting bumped around on an ILS approach to minimums is not most people's idea of an enjoyable first flight.
Do...Make sure the aircraft is clean, tidy and in excellent operating condition. Bring an extra chart the teacher can take back to class to describe the flight. Use the chart to show the teacher where you will fly. If you are asked a question you can't answer, get back to the teacher later with the information.
Do...Take the teacher around the aircraft as you preflight. Explain that general aviation aircraft bring a lot of basic science together in one machine: aerodynamics, weather, math and electronics. Describe aircraft instruments such as the altitude indicator and communications and navigation radios. Many teachers have students who are interested in electronics.
Do...Provide a quick overview on what's involved in learning to fly. Let them know that AOPA has information on aviation careers. Safety informaton should be presented to clear up any misconceptions the teacher might have. For example, many non-pilots want to know what the regulations say about flight over populated areas.
Do...Let your guest know the flight can be cut short at any time if the teacher is uncomfortable. Flying is not for everyone.
Do...Explain what you are doing and encourage questions. For example, describe traffic patterns and radio procedures. Let the teacher help with see-and-avoid duties, and point out local landmarks. You'll have more time to enjoy the flight if you avoid congested airspace.
Do...Let the teacher know you are available as an "aviation resource." If you are interested, offer to discuss general aviation in the classroom. Encourage the teacher to help spread the word to others interested in familiarization flights.
Do...Give the teacher an AOPA First Flight Certificate. AOPA's Communications Division offers additional free materials including A Teacher's Guide to Aviation and AOPA's Aviation Fact Card.
Aviation Education is General Aviation's Future
Aviation has already captured the imagination of thousands of students who use it in their studies. Encouraging students and teachers to explore aviation as a learning tool and career motivator is a great way to assure general aviation's future.
Thank you for participating in AOPA's Fly A Teacher program.
For More Information
To learn more about AOPA's aviation education programs and materials, please contact AOPA at 301/695-2154, e-mail, or write to AOPA at:
AOPA
Aviation Education – Mail Stop #3
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD, 21701
