Redbird Announces Flight Simulation Extension for AOPA High School STEM Programs

AOPA’s STEM program was released during the 2018-19 school year to 322 schools nationwide. About 10,000 students are enrolled in the program, which is designed to provide pathways to aviation careers. The new supplement offers 70 interactive lessons for students and teachers to intertwine into existing aviation curriculum.

The additional classes are designed to integrate seamlessly within the current AOPA training curriculum by building on hands-on exercises with flight simulator lessons that will expand knowledge application and skills. 

“With its high school STEM curriculum, the AOPA Foundation’s ‘You Can Fly’ program has opened doors to aviation careers for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds,” said Redbird CEO Todd Willinger. “The new simulator supplement gives educational institutions and their teachers another tool to keep these students engaged, motivated, and on track to pursue myriad opportunities in an industry with an increased demand for highly-skilled workers.” 

Sample lessons released by Redbird show integration of real-world events and mock flight experiences. Following in the footsteps of well-known pilots, students will recreate the flights taken and the skills used by pilots to understand aeronautical decision making and extend their knowledge of aerodynamics.

The extension is free of charge to participating high schools. Current AOPA educators can access the new simulator supplements for ninth graders now. The 10th, 11th, and 12th grade supplements are expected to be released in mid-November 2022 at the AOPA Foundation’s High School Aviation STEM Symposium in Memphis, Tennessee.