01/31/2023
The Essex Skypark Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (ESSTEM) program was originally created to introduce high-school students the basic information and skills as a preparatory step to more formalized and accredited general aviation flight instruction.
Although primarily designed with high school students in mind, the ESSTEM program is not offered exclusively to high school students. Since the training is in a personalized one-on-one atmosphere, we can also offer the training syllabus to anyone exploring a hobby or career in flying. The program focuses on the basics of flight training as a preparation for accredited formalized flight training. It also reinforces to students that simulators can be used for more than just video gaming.
For minors who are interested in learning the basics of aerodynamics and aviation, the program is completely free of cost, and parents are invited to share in the experience. There is no charge for training for adults who are interested, however, a donation of any amount would be appreciated, but is not a requirement.
We offer two tiers of education for ESSTEM students: the Basic Course, and the Advanced Course. Each course comprises ‘ground training’ and practical ‘flight simulator’ time.
In the ground training portion of the Basic Course, the student is taught the basic aerodynamics of how an airplane flies, its various systems and instrumentation, how to interpret VFR aviation charts, and differing methods of navigation. In the flight simulator portion, the student learns how to land and take off in a Cessna aircraft, and become proficient in rudimentary flight planning tasks. The student begins already in the air set up for practicing the skills needed for a landing on runway 11 at Bay Bridge Airport (W29) on Kent Island, MD, running parallel to the twin Chesapeake Bay Bridges. They will become familiar with the flight simulator, and learn to perform the basic maneuvering skills in order to successfully land an airplane.
