Aviation training starting young

Chandler Vargas and Henry Pelham of Mountain Brook recently attended Aviation Challenge at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home of Space Camp and NASA’s official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center.

The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and decision-making. 

Chandler and Henry were was part of Aviation Challenge Mach I, a program specifically designed for trainees who have an interest in military aviation and the    mechanics of flight.  They spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated F/A-18 fighter jet. The crew learned critical land and water survival skills and mastered Top Gun flying maneuvers.

They returned to land in time to hear retired Space Shuttle astronaut Col. Bob Springer speak at their graduation.

Aviation Challenge operates year-round and uses fighter pilot training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects. Students sleep in barracks designed to resemble military bays.