ESCAPE FROM THE CLASSROOM AND SEE THE CURRICULUM FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
The idea of the LAA Education Fly a Teacher Program is to introduce teachers to light aircraft flying, give them a flight, and supply them with ideas and worksheets to support their classroom teaching and learning activities.
Whether it is Geography, Science, Technology, Maths or simply the beauty of the skies and the novel experiences, you will find a whole new source of stimulating material to take back to the classroom, and make links with the people who can help you deliver it.
What sort of things can I experience?
Any new experience tends to be stimulating, and the different viewpoint offers many advantages over what you can observe from the ground. You will notice things you’ve not seen before, and feel the freedom of the sky.
Where do the subjects come in?
Geography: Physical landscape, towns, rivers, estuary, marine and land environments, human impact, land use, weather systems, navigation, magnetic and true bearings, map-work.
Science: Forces, acceleration, velocity, levers, moments, circular motion, aerodynamics, flight controls, instruments, sensors, fuels and oils.
Technology: Structures and materials, production methods, cockpit systems, ergonomics and the human interface, electrical and electronic systems.
Maths: Flight planning, weight and balance, fuel consumption calculations, bearings, vectors.
English and Drama: Communications, creative writing, poetry, scenarios to enact.
Art: Light and shade, cloud formations, new perspective.
Music: The pitch of the engine, and we do try to land on the ‘piano keys’ … only kidding. We can’t think of curriculum work involving music, but maybe you can – you’re still welcome.
How can you offer a free flight?
The LAA is a long established organisation which helps amateur flyers, many of whom have built their own planes, while others own commercially-produced aircraft, but all fly simply for the fun of it. Members are happy to share their enjoyment and enthusiasm with others, and for several years have provided youngsters with a first flight through the ‘Young Eagles’ program, and its UK successor, ‘Young Aviators’. Now it’s the teachers’ turn.
What aircraft are used?
There is a considerable variety of light aircraft in use, from the ubiquitous Cessna and Piper much favoured for initial pilot training, to vintage types such as Austers, and modern composite aircraft. They are all built to approved designs, and inspected regularly and fully certificated.
Would I have to get to a large airport?
You are more likely to fly from a small airfield, maybe a farm strip or a former RAF base. All over the country these are used by LAA aircraft, so there is sure to be one near you.
How do I take you up on the offer?
Please use the “Contact Us” form on this website
A local LAA group member will get in touch with you to arrange a mutually convenient opportunity for you to have a flight.
Do you have teaching materials available?
We are producing resource materials for staff and pupils in conjunction with this programme, and would be pleased to work with you to develop relevant additional activities to suit your situation.
Additionally we have a growing list of resources provided by other organisations to help you in the classroom. Curriculum sheets and other support materials are in course of preparation for a wide range of activities at all levels.
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