Monday – July 12th, 2021
Ten 8th and 9th grade campers from throughout the Mount Washington Valley met at Eastern Slope Airport for the first day of STEM Aviation Camp. What did they expect? The first day provided an introduction to aviation safety, dynamics of flight, an airport walk to learn about different aircraft, chart reading, and the first introduction to simulator flying on the Red Bird TD2 simulator. John Saxby, board member and American Airline FO, gave a presentation on a career in the airlines.
Tuesday – July 13, 2021
Campers met the bus at 8:45 AM for a trip to Portsmouth, NH. The New Hampshire National Guard/USAF provided a tour of the tower to meet real air traffic controllers as well as a visit to their simulator where future controllers learn and hone their skills. In the afternoon, Plane Sense (a fractional ownership and charter company) provided a tour of their hangar where campers saw mechanics and technicians working on the Plane Sense fleet of PC-12 turbo props and PC-24 light jets.
Wednesday – July 14, 2021
The expected visit by the NH National Guard Black Hawk helicopter was weathered out so campers learned how to plan a cross country flight from Fryeburg to Rangeley, Maine to Barre, Vermont continuing to Concord, New Hampshire and home to Fryeburg. More simulator flying continued with campers trying to perform the “impossible turn”. A lunchtime BBQ added cheer to the gray day and Lisa Baughn spoke to campers in the afternoon about her career as an air traffic controller and flight service specialist.
Thursday – July 15, 2021
The day dawned clear and campers again boarded the bus, this time for a trip to Franconia, NH. Franconia Soaring provided glider rides for campers and volunteers. Smiles and lunch from the their food truck ruled the day.
Friday – July 16, 2021
A busy agenda wrapped up the week with a visit by the NH National Guard helicopter and medic crew, two planes flew Young Eagle Flights and pizza for lunch was enjoyed by all. Each camper received a certificate, logbook and free EAA Ground School to help start their aviation career.
STEM Aviation Camp also was an FAA sponsored ACE Camp. The FAA provides support and counseling for careers in the field of aviation.