Pilots Wanted: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation of Aviators with STEM Flights

Carly Walker of STEM Flights discusses the organization's mission to provide flight experiences to students and inspire them to pursue careers in aviation. STEM Flights connects volunteer pilots with students who have an interest in aviation and provides them with educational resources and follow-up support. The organization emphasizes the importance of programs like STEM Flights in shaping the future of aviation and encourages pilots to get involved. The conversation also touches on public benefit flying and the potential for advanced air mobility in the future. STEM Flights aims to have a presence at every airport in the United States and fly 6,000 kids annually. They have a student ambassador program where students help spread the word about aviation and aerospace in their communities. STEM Flights does not own any aircraft, pilots use their own planes to fly the kids. The organization surveys both the students and pilots to measure the impact of the flights. Giving back and making an impact in the community is a rewarding experience for both the volunteers and the students. Takeaways STEM Flights connects volunteer pilots with students who have an interest in aviation and provides them with flight experiences and educational resources. The organization emphasizes the importance of programs like STEM Flights in shaping the future of aviation and inspiring the next generation of pilots. Pilots can get involved with STEM Flights by signing up as pilot mentors and offering flight experiences to students in their community. STEM Flights provides follow-up support to students, helping them navigate their aviation journey and providing resources for further education and training. Public benefit flying, including programs like STEM Flights, plays a crucial role in giving back to the community and inspiring young people to pursue careers in aviation. The future of aviation may involve advanced air mobility, and STEM Flights is actively exploring opportunities in this area. STEM Flights aims to have a presence at every airport in the United States and fly 6,000 kids annually The organization has a student ambassador program where students help spread the word about aviation and aerospace in their communities STEM Flights does not own any aircraft, pilots use their own planes to fly the kids The organization surveys both the students and pilots to measure the impact of the flights Giving back and making an impact in the community is a rewarding experience for both the volunteers and the students Sound Bites "Don't ever put a kid in your airplane. Ever. Anybody who's listening to this." "We actually stay with this student until they enter the workforce." "First time ever releasing it on your podcast, okay? Perfect. I'm coming out with this right now and I've thought a lot about this." "Our big hairy audacious goal. There it is. We'd like to have a STEM flights presence at every single airport in the United States." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying and STEM Flights 03:20 Flight Training and Aviation Experiences 11:44 Becoming a Pilot Mentor with STEM Flights 15:02 The Role of Pilot Mentors in STEM Flights 18:24 Public Benefit Flying and Aircare Alliance 21:44 The Future of Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility 24:01 The Big Goal: A STEM Flights Presence at Every Airport 24:28 The Growth and Challenges of STEM Flights 25:53 The Personal Impact of Aviation 27:09 The Commitment of Pilots in STEM Flights 28:35 Collaboration with Smokehouse and Other Organizations 30:02 The Idea of Monthly STEM Meetups 31:23 The Student Ambassador Program 36:02 Involvement in AOPA High School STEM Symposium 37:00 Participation in Aviation Expo 38:19 Clarification on Aircraft Ownership 39:13 The Global Reach of Smokehouse 40:07 The Future Collaboration between STEM Flights and Smokehouse 41:00 The Impact of STEM Flights on Students and Pilots 42:48 Where to Find STEM Flights https://www.stemflights.org/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/