Airspace Minnesota, a Twin Cities non-profit organization, is aiming to connect young Minnesotans with their state’s rich aerospace history, while providing the pathways for a modern aerospace career. They are well on their way to bringing a new aviation learning hub to the Upper Midwest. On Saturday, November 8th, the organization partnered with many local groups to help “raise the hangar,” determined to fundraise for the future “STEMport” and Aviation Learning Center to be built at the St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP).
Based on a flagship project at the Seattle Museum of Flight, the Aviation Learning Center (ALC) will introduce young learners to all aspects of flight, from fundamental aerodynamics and flight planning to pre-flight safety inspections and hands-on time with flight simulators and a Cirrus SR22. The ALC challenges students by encouraging them to apply critical thinking to real life scenarios. KSTP’s historic Wings Flight Instruction hangar will house the ALC.
Additionally, the STEMport will introduce visitors to historic and modern aviation achievements and learning opportunities. The Minnesota Association of Women in Aviation, along with volunteers from the Northwest Airlines History Center, have brought another tool for building interest in aviation and transportation to St. Paul. The Learning Jet is a donated B727 FedEx aircraft converted into an interactive classroom and simulation area, designed to “help students succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) while preparing them to meet the transportation challenges of the future” (Learning Jet Site). Plans for a robotic center are also underway. Finally, unique stories about Minnesotans’ contributions to aerospace will also be exhibited, including information on Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Piccard family (famous for their ballooning adventures), Dr. Robert Gilruth (the father of America’s human spaceflight program), and more.
Not only was JETPUBS pleased to attend the event and support AirSpace Minnesota on Saturday, but it has also been instrumental in creating a “Pathways Poster” to be distributed to all K-12 schools in the state. The poster will encourage students and adults alike to take a second look at the aerospace industry as supporting many important and achievable career opportunities. It will also create a link between students’ career dreams and the businesses able to equip students with important skills and pathways for achieving those dreams. Many Minnesota colleges, universities, flight schools, and non-profit organizations will be featured on the poster. Don’t wait to see the poster! You can learn more about Minnesota’s rich aerospace history and important industry contributions via the following links:
- Aviation Learning Center video
- Learning Jet
- AirSpace Minnesota
- Northwest Airlines History Center
- Seattle Museum of Flight
– Rochelle Johnson, JETPUBS Inc.