In South Florida, Douglas DC–3s help control the mosquito population. These turbine conversions of the Douglas classic await their missions in the hangars of the Lee County Mosquito Control District. The turboprop DC–3s are used for aerial spraying May through October. However, they are soon to be replaced by Beechcraft King Airs, which will deliver a quieter application as they are equipped with ultra-low-pressure-spray systems. It’s only fair—the DC–3s replaced their louder predecessors, the military-surplus, radial-engine C–47s first used for the task in the 1950s.
What: Dodson International Turbo Dakota DC–3TPs hangared at Lee County Mosquito Control
Where: Lehigh Acres, Florida
Photographer: Chris Rose
Aviation elective offered
Georgia school adds new course
An aviation elective is being offered for the first time at Strong Rock Christian School in Locust Grove, Georgia. This class allows students to learn about the importance of aviation in culture and the world.
The class is taught by retired Navy Capt. Steve Seal, an FAA-qualified multiengine instructor, airline transport pilot, and a single- and multiengine instrument pilot with more than 5,000 hours.
“I sought a job at Strong Rock because it is a forward-looking school that emphasizes character—[and] that would the perfect environment to pioneer a new aviation elective,” said Seal. “The atmosphere is positive, the staff is caring and simply great, and it is really a good place for students to thrive.”
Students study the beginnings of flight and the progression of the aviation industry. They will analyze the improvements and innovations in aviation during the first 100 years of powered flight.
“My favorite part about the class so far has been learning all the history and eras of flight,” said Anthony Blackburn, a senior at Strong Rock. “We did a project where we chose an airplane from history and had to study it and do a presentation.”
After studying history, students will have the opportunity to learn hands-on flying skills through the use of simulators. The classroom is equipped with seven computers and corresponding simulators that teach students the basics of flying a general aviation airplane. They progress into finding their way between airports in Georgia using heading and altitude rules to find their destinations. The hope for next year is to have 10 simulators to accommodate more students.
“Our hope is to offer an elective that not only builds an interest and understanding of aviation but is also a good STEM [science, technology, engineering, math] course that brings together the basic high school math and science being taught,” said Seal. >
Looking for mentors
Young women to restore aircraft
The young female students of the Alice Paul Institute in Camden, New Jersey—along with local Girl Scouts—are working together to recover the wing of a donated Jodel D–11 aircraft. The Camden Youth Aviation Program attempts to show young people of the area all aspects of aviation. “We hope to give them something to dream about and rise above the limits of their environment,” said Ira Weissman, program coordinator. The Jodel D–11 was donated to the program, and according to Weissman, it will become a training aircraft once repaired. The program is searching for female aviators who would like to mentor the students during the restoration. For more information, visit the website (www.camdenyap.org).
AOPA News
New tools for flying clubs
Resource library, scheduling software now available
Free scheduling software is among a suite of new benefits and tools now available for flying clubs. The software, available to AOPA Flying Club Network members, allows clubs to schedule up to six “resources”—such as aircraft and flight instructors. With an unlimited number of users and the capability to process credit card payments and create invoices, the software offers the flexibility to serve clubs of all sizes and types. Additionally, the updated AOPA Flying Club Finder offers new filters to let pilots search for the kind of club and amenities they want, from flight training to tailwheel or Light Sport aircraft. An updated interactive map feature allows pilots to identify and connect with the best clubs in their area. There’s no fee to list a club.
AOPA also offers a new resource library with detailed information about starting and operating a flying club. The library breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps that correspond to AOPA’s new “Checklist for Starting a Flying Club.” In addition to step-by-step guidance for creating a club, the library includes sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, lease agreements, and other useful documents.
The AOPA Flying Club Network is among AOPA’s You Can Fly programs designed to get people flying and keep them flying, and it is supported by donations to the AOPA Foundation. Together with other You Can Fly programs, the AOPA Flying Club Network makes general aviation more accessible and affordable. Joining the network is free, and clubs can sign up online.
In 2015, AOPA’s You Can Fly programs helped launch nine flying clubs, welcomed more than 3,200 lapsed pilots back into flying, honored the best flight instructors and schools, and brought together educators to cooperate on bringing aviation education into high schools.
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