Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Obtain school approval for your club. Recruit a faculty adviser with a demonstrated interest in aviation. If that's not feasible, talk to a math or science teacher known for creative teaching techniques. Finally, ask a school administrator to appoint an adviser for your aviation club. Once the adviser is in place, work with him to complete the school's club approval process.
Book a dynamic aviation speaker. Give your aviation club some instant credibility with an appearance by a well respected aviation professional. Consider a fighter pilot or Marine Corps helicopter pilot--if you have a military air station nearby, a test pilot, a retired World War II combat pilot or a young pilot who has just completed his private pilot requirements.
Hold the event on the school campus, and schedule the talk for a time when most students would be able to attend. Provide an enthusiastic introduction for the speaker's remarks. Finally, ask him to expand on current and future aviation opportunities. Following this event, interested students can decide on the aviation club's direction.
Partner with the "Build a Plane," a nonprofit organization that encourages aviation and aerospace careers by helping youth to build real airplanes. Although projects vary across the United States, the framework is the same: donated kits, tired or restorable airplanes are matched with high school students or other youth groups. Aviation professionals assist in the building or restoration of the aircraft.
Join with the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Program. The Experimental Aircraft Association promotes aviation experiences and learning opportunities for all ages. The Young Eagles Program uses local volunteer pilots to take young people between the ages of 8 and 17 as passengers for rides in airplanes. After the flights, chapter members can continue to work with the students to increase their knowledge of aviation.
During the summer, a high school student can further pursue her aviation interest at the EAA Air Academy. A summer camp for aviation enthused students, the weeklong Air Academy includes hands-on instruction and a flight in a real airplane.
Select the Soaring Society of America. For students intrigued by a different kind of flight, the society encourages young people to obtain glider pilot licenses. Students are allowed to perform solo flights at age 14, and can receive their private glider pilot license at age 16. The license opens doors to higher glider certifications and competitive flight opportunities.
Explore the Civil Air Patrol. Students interested in aviation, space or military aviation careers can gain personal and career skills through this organization. Cadets can learn to fly, hike, camp, and develop leadership skills through community service and leadership academies. Although the patrol is affiliated with the United States Air Force, the group is not limited to students planning a military career. The Civil Air Patrol also partners with the Soaring Society of America for the Glider Flight Academies Program.