Inspiring Future Aviators Through Practical Learning 

Aviation is a subject still relatively new to Australian schools. It is, however, a growing area of interest for students for the knowledge, experiences and opportunities it provides.

The aviation program at Launceston Grammar has taken a new direction this year. With a new teacher and timetabled classes from Grades 8 to 10, the subject has provided students with the chance to explore, study, fly and become immersed in this critical industry.

A range of aviation academic learning areas are introduced to students to support the practical work they do flying a variety of airborne objects from kites and models to remote piloted aircraft. Once students have thoroughly prepared, they undertake the ultimate experience of flying a single engine aeroplane. The approach taken is a general one making the wider world of aviation the focus of the curriculum.

Flight in all its forms can be fascinating, and students can quickly become inspired by the idea of being able to fly an aircraft. Knowing that they must acquire a certain amount of knowledge and understanding prior to their first flight encourages them to develop personal responsibility and self-management skills. They begin to see the importance of teamwork, developing resilience and meeting challenges.

Aviation/aerospace has often been called the ultimate STEAM subject. However, it encompasses so many areas of knowledge that it is now considered to be beyond STEAM, and is instead referred to as the ultimate multi-disciplinary subject. The principles of aerodynamics and aerospace flight, engines and systems, meteorology, communications, navigation, aeronautical engineering, law, regulation and safety, and the role of aviation in society are just some of the areas studied in class. Students apply their maths, language, humanities, science, and personal skills to real life situations and scenarios. They work with applied learnings from a multitude of academic areas to plan, build and fly in a future focused environment.

To be given the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the world from aloft in a small aircraft is a magical experience not easily forgotten.

Studying aviation/aerospace also encourages and reinforces confidence, persistence and courage. The exercise of pre-flight checks or piecing together engine components to construct a working model requires students to make effective decisions for themselves. Students come to appreciate that, both on the ground and in the air, they must develop sound ‘airmanship’ by making a commitment to work respectfully with others. The critical thinking and leadership, diagnosis, analysis, and resilience required are important skills relevant to many other endeavours in life.

Many of the students have returned from their first instructional flight ‘bitten by the bug’ with a thirst for more knowledge and a desire to pursue the plethora of career opportunities available in the industry.

The foundation of technical knowledge learned, and personal attributes gained, gives students not only a sense of accomplishment but a head start if they wish to pursue careers in airlines, defence, air traffic control, engineering, remote piloted aircraft, search and rescue, air law, air medicine and aerospace. For other students, aviation has added a wealth of knowledge to their general education with plenty of challenges and experiences for them to find their own level of interest and expertise.

Written by: Marie Burridge (Aviation Teacher)