Cumberland Teens Experience Aviation Outside of the Classroom

By: Tim Studebaker

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SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) – It’s a day to put down the pencils and get behind the controls of an airplane for a group of Cumberland High School engineering students.

Cumberland High School 9th Grader Maggie Peterson says, “It’s cool to actually experience everything and be able to see it in person.”

They took their class on the road to North Central State Airport in Smithfield, spending the day exploring airplanes, hangars, and equipment, learning along the way.

Cumberland High School 9th Grader Steven Poirier says, “…how the plane works, and how the engine works.  And the cool engineering that goes behind it.”

Organizers say it’s important to get younger generations interested in a career in aviation, both for the students and for the industry.

Air Ventures Flying School Owner Doug Auclair says, “It’s one thing to teach them about it.  It’s another one for them to come out and see it firsthand.”

Auclair tells us the industry is anticipating a shortage of workers.

Auclair says, “Until 2031, we basically have to train one pilot every 15 seconds to just meet the demand of the current situation.”

And, it’s not just pilots that are in demand.

Auclair says, “For every 1 pilot there is, there’s about 35 other supporting careers to let that pilot fly.”

Michael Stead teaches Robotics & Engineering at Cumberland High School.  It’s his class that’s on the trip.  He says Wednesday’s trip is an opportunity to create a deeper interest in STEM fields.

Stead says, “It’s great when we’re here because they’re able to get up and walk around and touch things, ask questions, and not be disruptive.”

As part of this initiative, two of the students received scholarships for flight school, and all of them will be offered a free introductory flight.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018