So I was reading my EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) magazine last night and I see they have a little article about the EAA teaming up with the AMA to help with STEM programs at schools. I think this is great, this is something we like to help out with at Aloft Hobbies where we supply a number to STEM programs with discounts and assistance. So I read the article and I am really rather let down. The summary of the article is that the AMA teamed up with Horizon Hobbies to sell a SIG Kadet kit and I guess a lot of the gear it will need for only $500. I was blown away that this is the solution they came up with. Some of it makes sense, but a 6 foot wingspan wooden kit? I thought the hobby moved on from that 20 years ago.. And still not sure what they are getting for $500.
I understand that they want the kids to build a plane, and a plane of that scale is similar to a small GA plane in structure. That does make sense to me. But I do wonder if this is the correct solution.
They also made a point of it being an American design and American built, but that only applies to the airplane kit. I doubt anything else in the package is made here. (radio, motor, esc, battery..)
Most of the STEM programs we have worked with do not have the budget for $500 packages. They have much more meager budgets, sometimes funding is from the local volunteers that help provide the STEM program. That seems to be the case for our local STEM at our high school. (Yet, they are building a full scale plane that is nearly done and then they will start flight training with the plane while they start building the next plane.)
I know I am very keen to introduce new folks to our RC pasion via free training. We are in discussion with our local club. I think we will be spitting out a new video soon that outlines the process we use for initial training. We are eager to learn from others also, with the hopes of inspiring others to do the same in their local areas. I guess I really should start a new thread for this subject.. OpenTX is really great with the abilities it gives us for making initial flights so much easier and safer. More on that later I guess.
Anyhow, I'd like to know more about what the AMA $500 STEM package includes. If it works and gets more young folks into aviation, then I am fully behind it. If it is a money grab from STEM programs with little in return then SHAME!
-Wayne
I understand that they want the kids to build a plane, and a plane of that scale is similar to a small GA plane in structure. That does make sense to me. But I do wonder if this is the correct solution.
They also made a point of it being an American design and American built, but that only applies to the airplane kit. I doubt anything else in the package is made here. (radio, motor, esc, battery..)
Most of the STEM programs we have worked with do not have the budget for $500 packages. They have much more meager budgets, sometimes funding is from the local volunteers that help provide the STEM program. That seems to be the case for our local STEM at our high school. (Yet, they are building a full scale plane that is nearly done and then they will start flight training with the plane while they start building the next plane.)
I know I am very keen to introduce new folks to our RC pasion via free training. We are in discussion with our local club. I think we will be spitting out a new video soon that outlines the process we use for initial training. We are eager to learn from others also, with the hopes of inspiring others to do the same in their local areas. I guess I really should start a new thread for this subject.. OpenTX is really great with the abilities it gives us for making initial flights so much easier and safer. More on that later I guess.
Anyhow, I'd like to know more about what the AMA $500 STEM package includes. If it works and gets more young folks into aviation, then I am fully behind it. If it is a money grab from STEM programs with little in return then SHAME!
-Wayne
