Redbird CTE Sim Lab at AirVenture Booth #301 (6th-12 Grade)

Redbird Flight Simulations

Take simulator-centric career and technical education (CTE) classes on aerodynamics, navigation, and weather.

EAA AirVenture

Greg Roark is the Director of K-12 Education at Redbird Flight. He has degrees in K-12 Education, is an FAA Advanced Ground/Instrument Instructor, an instrument-rated pilot, a Part 107 Commercial Drone Operator, and a motivational speaker.  For 17 years, “Mr. R” has been an aeronautics instructor teaching in classrooms all across this great nation of ours including on the grounds of AirVenture for 11 years. He also works with school districts throughout the county helping them build their own aeronautics programming.This year, Redbird is happy to announce that we can accommodate up to 12 students in each class! Also, to promote fairness in attendance, 6 seats can be reserved in advance while the other 6 seats will be available to be booked the day of the classes. Special Note to All Parents: We need your help for these classes to run smoothly. Please be sure that you understand the age range for our classes. The material we cover is written specifically for this age group.  Younger students would struggle with the content and therefore find these classes frustrating. We work hard to ensure that each student who participates, regardless of their skill level, receives a worthwhile experience. Our rules exist to support that mission. Also, please make sure that your child knows that unruly or disrespectful behavior will result in their removal from the class. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  We look forward to seeing you and your children at AirVenture!

Monday, July 21

It’s more than just a toe-tapping tune by Nat King Cole, circa 1943; it is also great advice. As we learn to fly, the three basic elements we must master before we can really go anywhere are airspeed, altitude, and heading. Once we can do these three things, then we can start having some real fun. This class is designed to help you get there.

“Straighten Up & Fly Right” – An Introduction to Flight and Aviation 

You might think you know the answer to this question, but do you really? Come find out what really makes an airplane fly and then get to test that theory on our flight simulators. This might not be as easy as you think.

"What Makes an Airplane Fly?" - Aerodynamics, Physics, and Flight

What is the difference between a car and an airplane? Show of hands: who said, “a wing”? Not bad. But do you really know how that wing works? And, more importantly, do you know what happens when that wing doesn’t work? Come to this class and you’ll find out why the Wing IS the Thing!

“Stalls” - The Wing is the Thing

Does wind make a difference in aviation? What happens in my airplane when the wind blows? Where does it come from? Why do we have wind in the first place? Why am I asking so many questions? Come to this class for all the answers to basic weather theory and practice.

"Wow, It's Windy" - Basic Aviation Weather Topics

Tuesday, July 22

"Wow, It's Windy!" - Basic Aviation Weather Topics

This is not just my favorite Dr. Seuss book title. It also describes the world that opens up to you when you are able to fly an airplane from one place to another. Join us in this class to learn how to do just that. (This class is a little bit more advanced, so it would be helpful if you have taken at least one of the previous classes.)

"Oh, The Places You'll Go!" – Aviation Navigation

So, you hop in an airplane, pop on those ear warmers, and you’re qualified to talk pilot. Right?! Woah there, Luke Skywalker! This is not going to be quite as easy as you think. Would it surprise you to know that, in aviation, people are going to expect you to verbally communicate with some form of standard phraseology? Oh, and did I mention active listening? You gotta know before you go, so let's learn how. (Students voted this the most challenging class of AirVenture the last 3 years, so be advised.)

 "How to Talk Pilot" – Aviation Communications

Wednesday, July 23

"Straighten Up & Fly Right" - An Introduction to Flight and Aviation

This is a workshop for K-12 Educators, Administrators and Parents who may have an interest in creating an Aeronautics Program in your school.  We will discuss the benefits of an aeronautics education, the things to consider before you start, successful implementation strategies, and some of the potential pitfalls of improper planning. 

(K-12 Educators, Admins & Parents): “How to Bring Aeronautics into Your Class

As you might expect, there are a few rules when it comes to flying airplanes. Okay, there are a lot of rules when it comes to flying airplanes.  In this class, we will focus on a few of those rules and find out why they exist and how to make sure we comply with them. Then, you will use your flight simulator and see if you can fly within those rules.

"FAR’s in Practice  " – Applied Federal Aviation Regulations

Thursday, July 24

“FAR’s in Practice ” - Applied Federal Aviation Regulations 

Now it’s time to get into some more advanced weather theory and practice. You will find out what turbulence is all about, where it comes from, and start learning how to make good decisions regarding when to fly. Again, this may not be as easy as you think. (It would be helpful to have taken the “Wow, It’s Windy” class before this one.)

"Wow, It's REALLY Windy!" - Advanced Aviation Weather

In aviation, we have all sorts of acronyms. This one really isn’t official, but it’s one that can make an impression. You may have heard about instrument flying, but you may not have had a chance to actually do it. Pop into this class and see just how challenging instrument flying can be. And by the way, this is definitely NOT a beginner class.  You have been warned!

 "CSN = Can't See Nothin'!" – Intro to Instrument Flying

Friday, July 25

 "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" – Aviation Navigation

 “Straighten Up & Fly Right” – An Introduction to Flight and Aviation

Saturday, July 26

 "Wow, It's REALLY Windy!" - Advanced Aviation Weather

 “Stalls” - The Wing is the Thing

"CSN = Can't See Nothin'!" – Intro to Instrument Flying

This is our annual finale to our Oshkosh AirVenture CTE Sim Lab. This event is open to students who have taken at least ONE OF EACH of the classes listed above. Students will compete in custom missions and flying where you will apply all of the lessons from all of the classes you have taken this week. The winner of the challenge cup will not just go down in the annals of Redbird Aeronautics history, but they will also receive my undying respect - and some small prize we will no doubt come up with at the last minute. But it will be fun nonetheless! SO DO IT!