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Fairless introduces new aviation class; opens new career opportunities

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Fairless introduces new aviation class; opens new career opportunities

BREWSTER – A new class Unfair High School flying students into aviation science.

“One of the most important things when looking for something (new) is a clear connection to the business,” Assistant Principal Tammy Bixler-Zalesinsky said. “There is a serious shortage of aerospace engineers as the average age approaches retirement.”

The course covers science, math, and engineering and shows students that aviation is more than piloting. Career opportunities include aviation engineers, air traffic controllers and airline technicians.

“We told students that if you are interested in mechanics, it is similar to vehicles. Working on airplanes will pay much better,” he said.

Approximately 40 students were enrolled in its inaugural year. Bixler-Zalesinsky believes the numbers will increase as the program progresses. The aviation course is an alternative to the freshman physical science course. He said students are still learning the basics of science and physics, such as flight forces.

The new classroom is funded by a $30,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and the Workforce Expanding Opportunities for Every Child grant. The Office of School and District Improvement manages funding to provide students with additional learning opportunities in literacy and other academic areas, as well as to develop the skills needed to enter the workforce.

The funds were used to purchase equipment, including flight simulators.

Meet Eric Johnson, Fairless’ aviation science instructor

In his 33 years in education, math teacher Eric Johnson jumped at the opportunity to switch disciplines while the district was looking for an instructor.

He studied aeronautical engineering at Ohio State before changing his career path to teaching.

“There’s a lot of math and science (in aviation),” Johnson said. “I’ve always been interested in this and it was nice to try something different as I was coming to the end of my career.”

A class-developed curriculum is used. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

In the first year, students learn about aviation, aviation history and engineering design. Bixler-Zalesinsky said the district has partnered with several organizations. Experimental Aircraft Association Part 1077 6-8. from Harry Clever Field Airport in New Philadelphia for the Wright Flight program, which introduces first-grade students to aviation.

At the end of 10 weeks of lessons at the airport, students have the opportunity to board a plane accompanied by an experienced EAA pilot. They also partnered with the MAPS Air Museum in the summer for another 10-week series for middle school students called Air Academy.

Recently, students launched balloons they made using tissue paper and hot air blasters. Stark County Commissioner Bill Smith brought the hot air balloon to Fairless to talk about balloon components and the effect of weather conditions on flight. Students had the opportunity to see how fans and stoves work.

They also tried to create airfoils using foam board and metal and tested them in a wind tunnel.

Once students complete the four-year course, they will be eligible to take the exam for a commercial drone pilot license and receive the written portion of a private pilot license, Bixler-Zalesinsky said.

Unfair students reacted to the new aviation science course

Freshman Auroa Gaut-Houze learned about the new aviation class while attending Wright Flight Academy.

He doesn’t think he’ll pursue a career in aviation, but he joked that it would be a great hobby if he had the money.

The 14-year-old enjoys the hands-on labs and said Johnson is engaging even if he’s lecturing.

Austin Devericks said the class was eye-opening. He had no idea how many careers were tied to aviation.

“It’s fun and I like building things,” the 14-year-old freshman said.

You can reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].

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