ICON A5 Visits John R. Lewis High School

Resul Aksoy’s STEM students’ received some hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and math when an ICON A5 aircraft visited John R. Lewis High school recently. The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) visited the Springfield, VA school with their aircraft to speak to students about how aeronautical concepts relate to the STEM subjects. Over 70 teenagers had the chance to manipulate the ailerons and the elevators of the plane while it was safely on the ground.

The DOAV’s educational staff discussed with the pre-engineering students the design elements of the ICON A5 aircraft – an amphibious airplane that is intended to land on water and runways. Students were also able to fly an authentic simulator installed in the back of the department’s van. The three screen computer is complete with a yoke, throttle, and rudder pedals just like in the cockpit of a
real airplane. As an added treat, students were able to experiment directly with flight by assembling simple balsa wood gliders and flying them next to their football field.

One of the goals of the ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program is to excite and inspire the next generation of Virginians into the aviation industry with all expenses paid for by the Commonwealth. More information about this program and other educational opportunities can be found on the Virginia Department of Aviation’s website: https://doav.virginia.gov/.