Flying gliders successfully trains the student in the power of observation. Each action or choice has direct consequences for the soaring flight. It empowers personal responsibility for every student. It has elements of mechanical, electrical, aeronautical engineering and meteorology.
Jackie Payne
Awared winning Advanced Math Teacher
Chief of Logistics and Operations for Perlan Project
What a fantastic way to introduce young people to aviation and aerodynamics and to get them excited about science learning.
When I got the chance to fly in a Soaring Academy glider, I was excited to directly experience flight from the cockpit. Although I am familiar with basic aerodynamic concepts, I found the immersive experience of soaring unique in the way that it allowed me to get an intuitive feel for what keeps an airplane aloft and to viscerally understand the forces of flight. It was a fun and exhilarating experience that would be a great learning tool for everyone.
Jeff Rudolph
President, California Science Center
My son is not someone who turns in homework on time—if he even gets it turned in at all. When this glider homework assignment was presented, he made sure he got his work done, without prompting and turned it in on time, so he didn’t miss out on the flight opportunity. This is the most motivated we’ve seen our son.
Parent of 8th grader
2017
The increasing complexity of modern technology and reliance on the internet and computing sometimes makes it more difficult for students to directly experience basic scientific and engineering principles. The STEM program at the Soaring Academy provides immersion in aeronautical science and allows for better understanding of classroom material. By providing access to actual aircraft, the students have the opportunity to visualize and experience these principles in flight. I can think of no more effective and exciting way to connect classroom material to an actual real world application, and provide a deeper understanding of aeronautics that will last a lifetime and perhaps inspire a future career path.
Mike Malis
Aerospace Engineer / Consultant with The Perlan Project
