The National Flight Academy (NFA), located next to the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard NAS Pensacola, offers one of the most exciting and immersive learning experiences available in the world, inspiring 7th – 12th graders to take a serious interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in an aviation-themed adventure aboard a massive virtual aircraft carrier. Since commissioning in May 2012, the National Flight Academy has hosted over 3,000 young people from almost every state and several foreign countries, including Ireland and Germany. This year alone, NFA has graduated nearly 1,500 student participants from our 6-day Deployment program and most sessions were sold out.
Students graduating from the academy walk away with much more than their unforgettable experiences, by demonstrating a significant boost in their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Beyond the valuable involvement in STEM education, students also gain priceless workforce readiness skills such as teambuilding, leadership, strategic planning, chaos management and asset awareness. Our local education partner, the University of West Florida, measures each student’s growth during their stay at the National Flight Academy. These evaluations reveal an average of 10 percent increase in STEM knowledge in only six days.
New Fall Program-“Adventure Saturday,” 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Oct. 11
“Adventure Saturday” is an introductory program designed for children in 4th-6th grade. This program will allow students to explore the principles of flight and flight dynamics through simulated flight and paper airplanes. Students will compare wing design and its impact on a paper airplane’s speed, time aloft, and distance flown. Students will also have the opportunity to fly the T-6 Texan II in NFA’s flight simulators while learning the principles of flight. To register, email info@nationalflightacademy.com by Oct. 9. Cost is $10 per child and is limited to the first 36 to register.
For more information, contact the National Flight Academy at 458-7836 or visit www.nationalflightacademy.com.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 2014 Review and National Flight Academy Adventure Saturday announced