This week at NBAA 2016, the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) has a real treat for attendees: a virtual trip to Oshkosh, Wis., courtesy of the association’s new Spirit of Aviation mobile trailer. The 18-wheeler is parked at the indoor static space at the Orlando Convention Center. One broad side unfolds to expose a mini-workshop for practicing metal bending, foam cutting and gluing and rivet pulling. (And, yes, you can make-and-take your constructions.)
Tucked against one wall are two individual Redbird digital basic aviation flight simulators, replete with video. The curious are welcome to try their hand flying a general aviation airplane of their choice into or out of several different airports. But the piece-de-resistance in the mobile experience are the Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles that can totally immerse you in the EAA Museum and AirVenture Oshkosh in all its glory.
Along with the mobile Oshkosh experience debut, EAA announced this week that more than 40,000 youth have gone beyond just taking a first flight with an EAA member since 2009. These Young Eagles have taken advantage of a gift from Sporty’s Pilot Shop, enrolling for no cost in Sporty’s online recreational and private pilot ground school courses.
“There is no better way to ensure a robust aviation community than by attracting new young people to the pilot ranks,” said Sporty’s president Michael Wolf.
“Sporty’s long-term support for the Young Eagles program is outstanding,” said Brian O’Lena, manager of Young Eagles for EAA. “Reaching more kids with these aviation opportunities is paramount. We’ll celebrate our 25th year of Young Eagles in 2017. As one of the most successful youth aviation programs in history, and with industry support, we’ll continue well into the future.”