The Wonder of Flight: A Weeklong Exploration of Aviation
Students from Missisquoi Valley Union High School spent their YES Program immersed in The Wonder of Flight, a weeklong aviation experience designed by teacher Richard Barwin in partnership with Habitat for Aviation, EAA Chapter 613, and BETA Technologies.
Students began with the forces of flight—lift, thrust, drag, and weight—then learned the parts of an airplane, control surfaces, and the axes of aircraft motion. From there, they explored basic flight instruments, practiced in the flight simulator, learned safety around aircraft, climbed into general aviation cockpits, became familiar with pilot controls, and walked through a basic pre-flight.
At Habitat for Aviation, students shifted from how airplanes fly to how airplanes are built. They learned about riveted aluminum construction and saw the kind of hands-on aircraft work that makes aviation feel more like something they could pursue if the interest is there.
This kind of moment only happens because volunteers show up.
This program was made possible by Richard’s thoughtful planning and by the generous support of so many EAA Chapter 613 and Habitat for Aviation community members. John Fitzgerald, George Coy, Jacob LaFramboise, Zoë Brosky, Steve Green, Shirley Fitzgerald, Eric Manchester, Anna Bushey, Disa Tatro, Bonnie Pease, and others who gave their time, knowledge, encouragement, and use of their airplanes.
They did more than help run activities. They welcomed students into a culture. They answered questions. They modeled safety. They made space. They showed students that aviation is built by pilots, mechanics, builders, instructors, volunteers, mentors, engineers, airport neighbors, and people who remember to open the door for the next generation.
