FlyQuest's Mobile Aerospace Classroom


Realizing that not all schools could afford for students to experience such concepts through multiple-day programs or field trips, FlyQuest has partnered with other like-minded organizations, such as BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support, Huntsville International Airport, and Steam Works to take the classroom on the road - literally. By developing what is believed to be the first mobile aerospace classroom, FlyQuest has created the next innovation to bring inspiration to young minds around the Tennessee Valley. The mobile classroom carries with it a variety of aviation exhibits designed to compliment a classroom curriculum.

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The mobile classroom has several unique features. First, "class" begins outside - each window signifies an individual "station" where a different segment of the aviation career path is explored. Station examples include, but are not limited to: piloting, maintenance, air traffic control, and airport operations. Each station contains real-world examples of materials used in that career path such as aeronautical charts, approach plates, maintenance manuals, airplane mechanical diagrams, weather charts, etc.

Interior exhibits include:
  • Flight Simulators (3) with yoke, throttle, and pedals
  • ATC simulator
  • 4-cylinder normally aspirated piston engine cutaway
  • Wind tunnel

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Looking toward the rear - visible in this shot toward the front are the wind tunnel and engine cutaway.

The rear section of the mobile classroom, featuring flight simulators and ATC simulator.


We already have exciting additions planned for the mobile classroom. These additions will include: hydraulic demonstrators, runway light examples, and metal working (riveting, etc.)

FAQs

Q: What is the best age group for the mobile classroom?
A: Our curriculum (and the exhibits in the mobile classroom) are designed with high school (9th thru 12th grades) in mind. However, we will consider visits to middle school classes (6th thru 8th grades).

Q: What is your service area? In other words, where are you willing to take the mobile classroom?
A: Our service area is, for the most part, a 50-mile radius centered on Huntsville International Airport. Counties include: in North Alabama - Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston. In Southern Tennessee: Franklin, Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, and Moore.

Q: How much advance notice do you need to schedule the mobile classroom?
A: We require a minimum of 10 business days, however the more notice, the better. Our mobile classroom is staffed by volunteers and we like to give them as much notice as possible.

Q: Does a teacher/school official need to accompany the class at all times during the mobile classroom visit?
A: Yes.

Q: How is my request evaluated?
A: We evaluate requests on a variety of levels. Some items taken into consideration are: the amount of aviation subject matter the class has been exposed to before the mobile classroom visits (in some cases, we can help with curriculum), the amount of time the classroom will stay on site vs. the number of students (we consider 10 students/hour optimum), the age of the students, the distance from our home base (Huntsville International Airport), and the advance notice given.


Requirements for a visit

  • The mobile classroom must be available (not already booked)
  • We must be able to secure a set of volunteers to operate the mobile classroom
  • There must be a level, paved space available to park the mobile classroom. It is 40' long and 8' wide. It would require a space roughly 60' x 15', at a minimum, to be comfortable. (There are educational examples on the outside of the mobile classroom. This is the reason for 60' x 15' space requirement.)
  • A teacher/school official must stay with the class during the visit.
  • A request form must be completed (link below)

Mobile Classroom