02 Feb Aviation Science Department Debuts New Portable Flight SImulator at Hazelwood STEM Event

On Saturday, Jan. 21, the Department of Aviation Science debuted a new educational tool designed to teach young people about the possibilities of STEM careers as pilots.

Parks College aeronautics students use a new portable EduStation flight simulator with students at the Hazelwood School District STEM Extravaganza.

Steve Magoc, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Aviation Science, along with six current aeronautics students in Parks College brought a new EduStation flight simulator to the Hazelwood School District STEM Extravaganza, hosted at Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Missouri.  The free event brought dozens of students ranging from elementary to high school ages to learn about careers in STEM.

“The Department of Aviation Science has a renewed effort to engage in STEM outreach activities in the community,” says Magoc. “The department is using the StemPilot EduStation flight simulator to demonstrate how STEM applies to the flight aspect of the industry.”

The portable simulator allows students to choose the type of aircraft they would like to simulate and fly it in a realistic airspace over any airfield they choose.  At the STEM Extravaganza, students came one at a time to create a mock flight while being guided by the Parks College students.  While using the simulator, students learn about the geometry and physics skills needed to become professional pilots.  The EduStation comes with preloaded guided missions and a curriculum book designed for K-12 educators interested in exposing their students to the field of aeronautics.

Magoc estimates approximately 40 students had the opportunity to fly a simulation using the EduStation over the course of the event.  He and the department plan to use this simulator during several future STEM events in the St. Louis region, including three scheduled events in the month of February through the Wentzville School District.