The Virginia Department of Aviation’s ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team visited Piedmont Christian School in Bumpass, Va. for an educational program on September 5.

Approximately 100 students grades K-12 attended the program throughout the day and had the opportunity to sit in the ICON A5 aircraft and operate the controls while learning about how airplanes fly. Several attendees were also able to experience flying a Gleim simulator. They could take off virtually from a nearby airport and practice flying and landing a Cessna with the simulator.

Each student received a wooden balsa airplane to build and fly as well as an airplane eraser and pencil. Teachers were given Virginia aviation calendars and DOAV 95th anniversary 20 oz. tumblers. School administrator Amanda Jernigan, who organized the visit was pleased with how the team was able to effectively teach a wide range of students about aviation and possible careers in the field.

“The students enjoyed hearing about the different aviation facts and they especially enjoyed using the flight simulator,” Jernigan said. “This program was beneficial for each grade level as it was tailored to each class. We would definitely recommend this program to other schools.”

The ICON A5 is an amphibious light sport aircraft that the DOAV PR and Education team takes across the Commonwealth of Virginia to educate youth about aviation. For more information on how to get this free program to your school, library or local airport, email Betty Wilson betty.wilson@doav.virginia.gov.