What Is the Best Way to Get Kids Interested in Aviation?

Answer: Have you tried introducing them to model aircraft building or flying radio-controlled aircraft? With the latter, they can get a form of flying experience. The Academy of Model Aeronautics has chapters all over the world, and it offers information about the options for flying scale radio-controlled models.

Or you can start out by building scale kits. Many pilots began their "careers" model building and model flying. In fact in the early days of FLYING, there was a center spread of plans for model aircraft—the mass-produced plastic and balsa kits were still years away. 

Some pilots never stop building and donate their models to aviation businesses to use as decoration and inspiration, such as the lobby at Bergstrom Aircraft in Pasco, Washington.

When your children get a little older and have increased ability to focus, you might try introducing them to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones). In order to fly them safely and legally, the remote pilot needs to understand airspace, safety procedures, weather, and federal aviation regulations. Drone pilots, also known as remote pilots, are in demand in a great many industries from real estate to law enforcement, so you might be enabling your kids to acquire marketable skills.

Do you have a question about aviation that's been bugging you? Ask us anything you've ever wanted to know about aviation. Our experts in general aviation, flight training, aircraft, avionics, and more may attempt to answer your question in a future article.