Parents and Children Team Up to Experience Aviation Adventures

Mastering the realm of flight has been a dream of humanity since recorded history. Each succeeding generation has continued that yearning to fly, and only in the twentieth century has that dream been fulfilled. The current generation is no different in their intrigue of flight. Parents should actively assist their children in learning about aviation, especially considering how the history of the United States is intertwined with flight. Here are a few ways that parents can encourage their children to learn about the past, experience the present, and prepare the future of fight for the twenty-first century.

Children should be encouraged to read about aircraft in general, but more importantly, about the scientific principles of flight. Age-appropriate biographies of aviation pilot heroes, and aircraft designers and builders, provide an exciting medium for generating knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. Researching aviation pioneers and the science of flight develops reading comprehension, vocabulary, historical knowledge and scientific knowledge simultaneously. Building this knowledge base will greatly enhance the value of the following suggested activities.

Constructing models of wood or plastic, both static and flying, gives the child a three-dimensional feel for the flying vehicles, and a sense of accomplishment with a physical product to display or fly. Fun activities such as kite flying, bird watching and stargazing are also valuable learning experiences, and they remind children that aviation also includes living things that fly and flight into space. Projects should become progressively more difficult as the child ages and gains confidence in his or her abilities.

Field trips to aviation museums, especially those that allow children to touch or enter the aircraft, provide vivid and enduring memories. Often, experts in aviation, such as the pilots, astronauts and designers that were illustrated in the research phase, will be present to meet visitors and give first-hand accounts of their role in the advancement of aviation. As the child matures, more intense experiences such as fly-ins, air shows and actual flights in small aircraft will allow the older child to personally experience flight and form relationships with current practitioners. Joining organizations like the Civil Air Patrol and Experimental Aircraft Association will greatly enhance the learning experience. Many careers in aviation have been sparked by a positive experience at one of these events.

The United States will remain a leader in aviation as long as the next generation is willing to continue to follow humanity's call to reach ever higher, faster and farther than ever before. As with any other learning experience, creativity and enthusiasm are invaluable when encouraging children to learn. I have mentioned a few ways for parents to encourage their children to learn about, and experience, aviation adventures of their own. Fortunately, aviation is one of those inherently interesting scientific endeavors that will continue to fascinate generations to come.