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Your monthly newsletter of the
National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education
Representing government, industry, and labor united to promote aviation and space education activities and resources, increase public understanding of these areas, and support related educational initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
www.aviationeducation.org
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From the President
Something for Everyone
Dear NCASE Members and Friends,
For over 23 years, the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education has been providing support toward aviation education. The body of knowledge and experience has cultivated over the years with a full spectrum of aviation and space substance. Regardless of location, time of day, or type of aviation or space education – we are here for you!
It was in 1993, that the National Coalition for Aviation Education (NCAE) members signed a formal charter in a cooperative spirit establishing a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration. NCAE was renamed in 2003 adding the ‘S’ for ‘Space’ becoming NCASE, as it’s known today.
NCASE presents a unified voice on aviation and space education issues working with educators, government officials, and industry representatives. Our organization has been widely recognized as the one-stop clearing house for aviation, and now, space materials. Members also appreciate the networking opportunities sharing programs, thoughts, and ideas.
Most recently, we have been busy revitalizing our organization with a smorgasbord of new member benefits waiting for you. As a regular paid member, these benefits are waiting in support for you and your organization:
- Overhauled NCASE web site - a one-stop portal, as listed on the guide, to serve you and your programs even better
- Popular NCASE monthly electronic newsletters is a no-cost marketing tool for your program updates and articles
- YouthWINGS - create LIVE video broadcasts developing interactive student/professional development video courses - NCASE website’s Members only section
- Participation at the NCASE Aviation & Space Education Alley during the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Los Angeles, California on March 30–April 2, 2017
- International Aviation Art Contest updates and participant information
- Strckler and Crown Circle Award nomination updates and information
We now offer safe and convenient PayPal for accepting membership payments. In addition, checks continue to be accepted. Please visit: www.aviationeducation.org and the become-a-member section. Teachers, students, and individuals can now become NCASE Members for free as “Friends” by simply clicking the Newsletter Signup" on our web site.
We invite all members to join us the first Tuesday of each month for our monthly and quarterly teleconferences. If you are not receiving the meeting notice invitations with agenda and dial-in information, email NCASE Secretary, Betty Wilson at Betty.Wilson@doav.virginia.gov.
Respectfully Yours,
Judy Rice
NCASE President
Kim Stevens and Judy Rice pose in front of the NASAO display at AirVenture. Note the reproductions of this year's award recipient artwork in the International Aviation Art Contest
Aviation Education Shines Brightly at AirVenture 2016
Aviation and Aerospace Education was once again on the radar of many attendees at 2016 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from July 25th through the 31st.
Among the attractions each year is KidVenture, located at Pioneer Airport across from the AirVenture Museum. KidVenture allows young people to explore aviation from several different fronts.
They receive loggable flight instruction on a simulator, earn FAA credit toward an A&P certificate through hands-on building projects, learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, modify a wing on a computer then find out how well it flies, and even see what it's like to land on Mars - making it a out-of-this-world experience.
Also promoting aviation education was the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), a member of NCASE. NASAO displayed a number of reproductions of this year’s student artwork in the International Aviation Art Contest. “This is a great venue for promoting the art contest,” said Kim Stevens, NASAO Director of Communications. “We not only get the opportunity to showcase what amazing young artists we have in the U.S., but it gives us an added chance to expose young people to aviation and careers available in the industry.”
Stevens said AirVenture is also a great place to network and to see amazing AVED programs and initiatives that are being administered by aviation companies from around the globe. “Each year I have the opportunity to visit with amazing people that have a passion and vision for aviation education,” said Stevens. “Whether from industry or government, I’m encouraged by individuals that understand the need and the opportunities that exist in this industry.”
KidVenture 2016 was in high gear all week as children of all ages were exposed to aviation and aerospace education opportunities.
At AirVenture, from left are Kim Stevens, NASAO Director of Communications, Joe Kools, Director of Executive and Organizational Development, FAA and Jim Brough, FAA's National Aviation and Space Education Program Manager.
Cuba Flying, Cultures, and Dreams
By Captain Judy Rice 
Havana, Cuba (HAV) - Rolling out on runway 6 after a smooth, quick flight in the Citation of 1.2 hours from Orlando (MCO) over the blue, blue Gulf ... we are greeted by smiling, yellow vested ramp staff. Thanks to our expert flight planner and Cuban guide, we are whisked through customs and on our way for an experience of a lifetime!
PHOTOS: Crossing the Gulf of Mexico (above); Morning Cockpit Sunburst with Citation co-owner Edwin (left).
Let the FUN begin.... Edwin and John, Citation owners, along with John’s wife and daughter, and my friend, Linda, a retired teacher living in Dubai had reserved rooms in one of the five American style hotels in Havana. I chose to stay in a private home arranged by our guide. I wanted to be completely absorbed in the Cuban culture.
I shared the meticulously clean 3-bedroom apartment by our hostess, Maritiza and a young couple from Italy. I woke to mounds of fresh fruit and aromatic, exquisite Cuban coffee. My traveling partners paid three times my costs missing the delightful Cuban hospitality.
PHOTOS above: Hostess Maritiza U. (top); Retired teacher, Linda H. & Skye Bleu joining us in the 'open cockpit' Cuban sun (bottom)
Stepping back in time... February, 1962 - Cuba, one of the longest running embargoes in U.S. history. On March, 2016 was the beginning of U.S. and Cuban relations
 Line of 1950’s cars
Culture, Dreams, Hopes... Cuban's warmth and welcoming is abundant as our day is filled with a walking tour through the city center, residential areas, the main market area, and the port. Lunch and dinner were marvelous Cuban cuisine.  The afternoon concluded at a round table discussion with youth. Cuban schools are known to be one of the best in the world. These young people had similar dreams as our American students with goals in technology, medicine, marine biology, and becoming Cuba’s President!
PHOTOS (above): Skye Bleu hopping a taxi with driver, Juan (top); Skye joining our round table discussions with youth (bottom)
The Wealth of Cuban History and Arts ... Cubans celebrate life with passion and compassion. One of my favorite Cuban artist, Fuster’s well-known statement, "When Dreaming is no longer Utopia". His incredible, intricately tiled home is open year round, twenty-four hours to the public. 
PHOTOS: Multi-family housing (top left); Havana’s Central Park (top right); Tropicana -Music & Dance at its best (bottom left); One of the multi-levels of Fuster’s home (bottom right)
Havana (HAV) to Key West, Florida (KEYW) to Orlando International (MCO) …Clearing customs at Key West was uneventful before arriving back at Orlando International.
If Cuba is on your bucket list – don’t wait too long! The real experience is but a fleeting moment in the innocence of time standing still. Contact me at: captjudy@captainjudy.com for tour recommendations and references on flying your own airplane. |
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