Pilots from AAFB teach prospective Airmen in a flight simulator program.

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Instructor pilots from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, have been sharing their experiences as well as educating and instructing high school students in aviation utilizing X-Plane 11 flight simulators at Altus High School in collaboration with Altus Public Schools.

Pilots have the chance to volunteer every week throughout the school year to mentor and teach kids utilizing the simulators as part of aviation science, technology, engineering, and math program.

STEM education imparts information and problem-solving abilities by emphasizing the application of classroom learning in the actual world.

“The simulators give a real-world application of what they are learning in the classroom,” said Maj. Evan Lomeli, chief of standards and evaluation for the 97th Operations Group C-17. “Aviation necessitates aspects from each STEM field, and the simulators give a fascinating and engaging platform for students to put those academic learning into practice.”

The simulators allow around 20 students to practice flying more than ten different types of aircraft and become acquainted with fundamental operations. The curriculum was created to provide students with a thorough overview of job choices in aviation.

“This program allows students to see if they enjoy flying and offers a basis if they do pursue a career in aviation,” Lomeli added.

Students will study engineering processes, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological breakthroughs that have enabled today’s aviation.

According to Stacey Davis, an AHS science teacher, the simulators give an opportunity to inspire the future generation of pilots.