ICON A5 Visits STEM Class at Chesterfield

The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Team traveled to Richmond Executive Chesterfield Executive Airport on Friday, June 24 to visit with a Goochland County STEM summer class.

The group of 19 students had a day full of aviation activities as they also toured a National Guard C130, a Virginia State Police Helicopter, a Virginia National Guard Blackhawk and Lakota and a Dominion Aviation Maintenance facility. The class also had a mini ground school where they learned basic airport operations and aerodynamics.

“During their tour, the children are exposed to the many components that make up the world of aviation,” Airport Operations Manager Hollie Baron said. “Not only do the students have the opportunity to sit in several types of aircraft and helicopters based at the airport, but they also get to speak with pilots, flight nurses, fire fighters and mechanics. Attendees learn that they can have aviation careers both inside and outside the cockpit.”

Transportation Operator and Presenter Kim Anderson drove the transit van that is connected to the ICON A5 trailer and helped setup the display at the airport. PR and Education Coordinator David Halstead led the presentation and explained the flight controls while each student was seated in the aircraft. Halstead discussed how airplanes fly and answered questions from the students. PR and Education Manager Betty Wilson talked with the youth following their time in the ICON A5 about what they learned and the many careers available in aviation. The DOAV staff provided wooden balsa airplanes for the students.

“The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program is an integral part of any airport tour,” Baron said. “Here the children are able to physically sit inside a cockpit and learn about the crucial parts of an aircraft; how all of the components work. In my opinion, this hands-on interaction surpasses any other form of learning for these impressionable youth.”

The ICON A5 is an amphibious light sport aircraft that the DOAV PR and Education Team take across the Commonwealth of Virginia to educate youth about aviation.

For more information on how to get this free program to your school or local airport, email Betty Wilson.