Page 3 - Aerotech News and Review, April 20 2018

Now boarding:
All aeronautics fans to tour NASA Armstrong virtually
It is now possible to experience NASA’s premier flight research center through a new 3-D virtual tour, giving users a first-class seat to the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.
Located in Edwards, Calif., Arm- strong is NASA’s lead center for at- mospheric flight research, operations and testing. Armstrong’s efforts focus on research that will accelerate our un- derstanding in science, aeronautics and exploration. Armstrong’s employees enhance our nation’s technical knowl- edge through inspiring students to pur- sue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) careers and by exploring innovative engineering practices, as well as contributing to our economic vitality and stewardship of Earth.
A tour of Armstrong is an experi- ence deeply rooted in the history sur- rounding aeronautic research within NASA and the nation — an opportu- nity now offered to the public.
“While our geographic location is perfect for flight research, it can be challenging for the public to get access to our center,” shared Kevin Rohrer, NASA Armstrong’s chief of Strategic Communications. “This virtual tour opens our doors for anyone to get a glimpse inside our center.”
The experience presents users with the sight of several aircraft and fa- cilities that make up the foundation of NASA Armstrong. As individuals enter the tour, they are virtually transport- ed to a 360 degree-view of NASA’s historical static aircraft. Once inside
Visitors of the NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Google Expedition will begin their virtual tour by viewing some of NASA’s iconic static aircraft. In this image, users have the opportunity to see NASA’s SR-71 — aircraft which were used by NASA at different times during the 1990s as test beds for high- speed and high-altitude aeronautical research.
With Google Expeditions, a free im- mersive app, visitors of the Armstrong Expedition can also virtually tour NA-
NASA photograph by Ken Ulbrich
NASA’s main entrance, visitors can explore Armstrong’s primary aircraft hangar, home to NASA’s F/A-18s, used in supersonic research testing, and other research aircraft used for mission support.
Visitors are then guided to one of the mission control centers, where en- gineers and technicians closely moni- tor critical data from research aircraft and maintain steady communications with flight crews during flight testing and operations. The tour concludes with a close-up view of just a few of NASA’s small unmanned aerial ve- hicles, a fleet of drone aircraft that test new aeronautical research concepts,
investigate capabilities toward allow- ing drones to one day integrate into the National Airspace System and possibly enable flight in Mars’ atmosphere.
The virtual tour of Armstrong offers a unique and educational experience to viewers of all ages. According to Rohrer, “I think it will be especially appealing for teachers and students interested in better understanding air- craft and flight research. The virtual tour is easy to navigate and includes prompts for teachers to use when using it in the classroom.”
NASA photograph by Ken Ulbrich
The final stop of the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Tour offers virtual-visitors the opportunity to view some of the center’s small Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles; aircraft used in various flight research missions at NASA.
SA’s Stratospheric Observatory for In- frared Astronomy or SOFIA aircraft, in addition to tours of the surface of Mars, as captured by NASA rovers, and the Modern Figures Expedition, a virtual tour highlighting women in STEM.
The Google Expeditions app is available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Users can search for the tour under, “NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.” For more in- formation, visit: https://edu.google. com/expeditions/.
Now boarding all rows - your visit to NASA Armstrong is only a click away!
Photograph by Linda KC Reynolds
Civil Air Patrol cadets Kiralynn Wallis and Ian Hinds speak with potential members during an open house at William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, Calif. The 75-year-old organization provides aerospace education, search and rescue and various youth programs, building the nation’s finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.
CAP open house recruits new members
by Linda KC Reynolds
staff writer
The Civil Air Patrol held an open house April 3 at William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, Calif., to familiarize their new recruits who signed up during the Los Angeles County Air Show, which was also held at the airport.
An Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP provides search and rescue missions, aid and comfort in times of disaster, and works to keep the homeland safe.
Its 56,000 members devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education. CAP helps shape future leaders through its cadet program, explained Maj. Gail- mary Harper, Edwards AFB Composite Squadron 84.
Kiralynn Wallis, 14, signed up for CAP two years ago, at an air show. Coming from a long line of those serving in law enforcement, Wallis said she is planning on becoming a homicide detective. With CAP’s core values based on integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect, Wallis said, “CAP prepares you for so many things. Everyone is very encouraging and I’ve learned so much through this program. I think all kids need to join,” she said, adding that whether a person has a direction in life or not, “CAP will definitely help you.” Members also go on camping trips to help prepare them for rescue missions, while having fun developing team-building skills.
John Demedio, 47, said he joined CAP about six months ago while looking for something to get his children, ages seven and nine, in- volved in. They fell short of the 12 year minimum age limit, but that didn’t stop Demedio from signing up to help with search and rescue missions and put his pilot skills to good use. “It is a great organiza- tion with people of all ages pitching in to help others. You don’t have to have aspirations to join the military to become a member, just to serve,” said Demedio.
For more information, visit www.gocivairpatrol.com.
April 20, 2018
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