Monday, August 24, 2009

A is for amazing airport adventure

I like to start school off with a bang. This year we are studying world geography. I'm going to be mixing in a letter of the week theme because with Benjamin (5) and Rebecca and Susan (3) it's time. Although I thought and thought about postponing school until after we move I couldn't refuse the opportunity to do the letter A. Our uncle Jeremy is a pilot. Ron Fernuik is also a pilot (and a member of our church). We had to go to the airport. WOW did we get a show!

Soon after we came THIS flew in! We watched it land and take off twice as well as hover and flip it's wings. It's technically not an airplane, but a powered lift. It is a V-22 ofsprey. So amazing! Only $8000 an hour to fly this guy.


We saw a sprayer; I somehow missed taking a picture. He took off twice (stopping to reload).

We got to see a plane they are working on (allowing us a good look at the bare bones of a small plane.


A Life star landed while we were there and they consented to shut down and let us see it. I loved learning about the night vision goggles they have to fly with. Each person on board is critical care paramedic trained. They aren't super speedy, but can get to Amarillo in half the time of an ambulance.
Next we took a look at the main hanger and learned about lift and the difference between piston and jet motors.



Ron told us about airplanes that can fly mach 4...the lockheed SR something something...Raymond pipes up "oh the blackbird?" Where does this child learn this stuff?

The children all got in a jet. Raymond, Natalie and Kalani LOVED that it could get them to dad in just one hour (at only $5000). It was very comfortable.


We saw a beaver. This is Rebecca's favorite, or as she said " I like the big red one. IT FLOATS!" Lydia liked the big red plane too.



We saw a P-51. Raymond has been up in this one.


Susan said "I'm so happy!" "why?" I asked. "Because I just LOVE airplanes!"

3 comments:

gloria said...

What a great start to this school year! Hands-on learning is the best!

Christina Lyon Maughan said...

Good for you. We won't start our homeschool year for almost another two weeks, but this inspires me to start it witha BANG!

Tamster said...

That was well done, Britt. Thank you.

Just a side note, I think it was actually the trainer that Ray flew in, not the actual P-51. I flew in the trainer, as well, when Ron was getting his hours to be ready for the P-51.

Fun pics! It was a great day! :-)