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Flying Classroom Visits the Jet Center

The Virginia Department of Aviation joined the Richmond Jet Center to host a small group of elementary students from Prince Edward County to enjoy the Flying Classroom experience with Captain Barrington Irving on June 24.

The Flying Classroom is a supplemental PK-12, digital STEM+ curriculum aligned to national and state standards. The program is based on the global expeditions of Captain Barrington Irving, the youngest and first black man to fly solo around the world.

Students were able to engage in an authentic STEM+ experience, learn about aviation, and see how an airport operates. Captain Irving spoke to and interacted with the students to help them better understand his journey in aviation as well as inspire a new generation of aviators.  PR and Education Specialist Kim Wells and Aircraft Technician Jeff Taylor brought the agency’s ICON A5 aircraft to the Jet Center’s hangar and allowed the students to get inside the aircraft and explained how the controls work.

Educators, chaperones and students were excited to participate and Captain Irving enjoyed teaching the students about aviation using real world experiences.

Visit our Facebook page (@VirginiaDOAV) to see photos from the event.

If you are interested in having the ICON A5 educational program visit your school, email Kim Wells Kimberly.wells@doav.virginia.gov or Betty Wilson betty.wilson@doav.virginia.gov for more information.