Airport Field Trip

Monday March 16th, we went on another field trip. This one was to a little, local airport. It's only a one-runway airport and is used mainly for locals and their private planes. When I set it up, my contact said that there wouldn't be much to cover for this age group. He said it would last about 20 minutes. But since it was free and wasn't too far away, I was OK with that.

Two other moms and their 3 kids met us there Monday morning. We started out watching a short video about the shuttle that had been launched by NASA the night before. Then we went out to the edge of the runway. He showed us the snow truck and explained some of its equipment. Then the kids actually got to get in a small airplane and look at all the controls. He explained a few things there and then we took a tour of the runways. We got in one of the airport trucks and rode out on the runway while he explained the lights and lines used for landings and take-offs. Then we drove to a hanger where an older gentleman was waiting to show us his plane. He had built this plane by himself! It took him about 4 years. We asked a few questions there and then went back to the office. He had goodies for the kids: a bouncy ball, a Frisbee, a Styrofoam plane, and some color sheets. All in all we were there almost an hour. The kids loved it! He might not have covered some of the technical stuff (we didn't even see the "control tower"), but the kids were able to get in a plane and that made it all worth it! The tour guide did an awesome job! I would definately go again--maybe in a year or two and we can take the "more technical" tour.