Aviation Enrichment Mini-Symposium Day 2007: Into the NEXTGEN

By Ginger Cairnes

Brandon Truong practices his flying skills at the flight simulator display in the atrium

STARS lab employees Ed Gaguski and Sue Kleva instruct “future air traffic controllers” on radar procedures

Many NextGen concepts came into play at the Technical Center’s Aviation Enrichment Mini-Symposium (AEMS) Day held on August 23, 2007. Technical Center employees, their tenants, their contractors, as well as family members spent the day learning about some of the aviation research and development currently being conducted here at the Center, as well as what the future holds.

Families at the ACY tour learn baggage checking and security procedures

Although some sprinkles and overcast skies prevailed, the spirits of attendees were not dampened. This year we “partnered” with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, who not only provided two tours, but also assisted us with transportation. Maudie Powell, Manager, Organizational Support Services Team, Center Operations Group, provided opening remarks after which activities were in full swing.

Overhead view of some of the radio controlled aircraft on display in the atrium

Not only did the number of technical displays in the atrium increase, but also many learning activities and demonstrations were added in which attendees could participate. Displays included: Kajah, the Search & Rescue Dog; Biometrics, Alternative Fuels Vehicles (transportation and equipment being used to cut costs and help protect the environment); Technology Transfer; Internet Security; Airport & Aircraft Safety research; Transportation Security Laboratories; finger printing; ATC Simulators, Weather; Hot Air Balloon Basket, a 20’ Jr. Hot Air Balloon; static radio-controlled aircraft; Atlantic City International Airport / SJTA; and photos with Air Bear.

Egg Harbor Township Police bring in part of their K9 team.

The Biometrics group demonstrates the use of “smart cards” and finger biometric enrollment

The children loved to climb into the basket of the 100’ Hot Air Balloon.

Tours included: an Air Traffic Control Labs General Tour (ADS-B, STARS, Weather, DSR); STARS (Tower & Displays); an R & D Package to Pavement Machine and Fire Safety; a visit to the Air National Guard 177 th F-16s; the Tower/TRACON modeling & simulation facility; ADS-B; the Federal Air Marshall shooting ranges; the Fire House; Tech Center Flying Club; Technical Integration Laboratory; the U. S. Coast Guard Air-Ground Unit; Atlantic City International Airport; the Egg Harbor Township K-9 unit, and Advanced Imaging.

Deptford, NJ’s First and Finest 20’ Junior Hot Air Balloon lifting off 10 feet in the atrium

Workshop participants in their respective age groups had the opportunity to: paint Hot Air Balloon Sun Catchers; make mini foam airplanes; play parachute games; paint a 12” Hot Air Balloon; set off Fuji Rockets; create decorative wind socks; make foam “airplane flingers;” create a Solar System banner; make a Planet Saturn model; paint and decorate small wooden aircraft while learning about parts of aircraft; paint a Hot Air Balloon scene to hang in a window; and created paper aircraft that they were able to fly in competition.

Marlene Gunn and daughter Ashley make a wind sock using a soda bottle for the base.

Older children competed in preparing flight plans and also learned about weather concepts in relation to aviation. The SAFE Skies workshop enabled students to learn about air traffic, air traffic controllers, and even how to separate aircraft using simple mathematical applications. A workshop relating to the “Drop Test” in the R & D area was new this year. The children created structures in order to protect their “precious cargo” (eggs) and competed until few eggs remained undamaged. Champion structure architects were: Jordan Bilicki , Ashley Snelling, Darius Bond, Ashlyn Gunn, and Elysha Lazzaro. Every workshop was linked either to a display, a tour, or to air traffic concepts.

Rodney Guishard describes parts of one of the airplanes belonging to the Center Flying Club prior to their climbing into the cockpit.

At check-in each child received a card that could be punched as they visited the displays. Those who visited at least 7 displays were eligible to enter a drawing in their appropriate age groups. Winners were: Brianna Triebel, Robbie Barnes, Amanda Bilazzo, and Ryan Bralski. Once again, learning became a rewarding experience.

Air Bear stops briefly to give Kajah, the search and rescue dog, a pat of confidence.

By the time the end of the day arrived, exhausted but happy children (and parents) all agreed that this was not only a learning and fun experience, but a day when children were challenged to explore possible careers in aviation for the “next generation.”

Hot Air Balloons hang out to dry before going home with their creators.

Ginger Cairnes, Aviation Enrichment Mini-Symposium Chairperson attributes the success of the events not only to the tour presenters, workshop leaders, and display staff, but also to the AEMS 2007 Planning Committee, the NAFEC Association (whose backing really made the event possible), the Tech Center Management Team, security, maintenance, drivers, technical staff, and anyone else who provided support. Only when everyone works together, no matter what part he or she plays, can such an event be possible.

Peggy Amendaris welcomes ACY tour attendees on board the SJTA bus.