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    • Fairless offers a new class of aviation; opens up new career opportunities
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    Fairless offers a new class of aviation; opens up new career opportunities

    Pabio Posted on

    BREWSTER – A new class to High school without fair has students flying into aviation science.

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

    The course encompasses science, math and engineering and shows students that aviation is much more than flying. Career opportunities include aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, and airline mechanics.

    “We told the students that if you’re interested in mechanics, it’s like vehicles. Working on airplanes will just pay a lot better,” she said.

    In its first year, approximately 40 students were enrolled. Bixler-Zalesinsky believes the numbers will increase as the program progresses. The aviation course is an alternative to the first year physical sciences course. Students are still learning the basics of science and physics, such as flight forces, she said.

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

    The funding was used to purchase equipment, including flight simulators.

    Meet Fairless Aeronautical Science Instructor Eric Johnson

    Math teacher Eric Johnson, 33 years in teaching, jumped at the chance to change disciplines when the district was looking for an instructor.

    He studied aeronautical engineering at Ohio State before turning to teaching.

    “There’s a lot of math and science (in aviation),” Johnson said. “It’s always interested me and, even though I’m at the end of my career, it was good to try something different.”

    The class uses a program developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

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

    At the end of the 10-week course at the airport, students can fly an aircraft with an experienced EAA pilot. They also partnered with the MAPS Air Museum for another 10-week series for middle school students called Air Academy this summer.

    Recently, students released balloons they had made using tissue paper and hot air poppers. Stark County Commission Bill Smith brought his hot air balloon to Fairless to talk about balloon components and how weather conditions impact flight. The students were able to see how the fans and burners worked.

    They also worked on creating airfoils using foam and metal panels, testing them in a wind tunnel.

    When students complete the four-year course, they will be able to take the test for their professional drone pilot license and take the written portion of a private pilot license, Bixler-Zalesinsky said.

    Unfair Students React to New Aeronautical Science Course

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

    She doesn’t think she’ll pursue a career in aviation, but it would be a great hobby – if she has the money, she joked.

    The 14-year-old enjoys the hands-on labs and said Johnson is engaging, even though he lectures.

    Austin Devericks said the course was eye-opening. He had no idea how many careers involved aviation.

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

    Contact Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].

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