Lawrence University Aviation Summer Camp

Taking Flight – Piloting & Airline Management

Facilitator: Charlie Smith, President

Charlie Smith, President of Pilotsmith

Objective:

Participants will learn how to become a pilot, exploring the evolution of strategies that pilots, air traffic controllers, and others use to improve training, passenger experience, and improve an airlines efficiency.

Agenda:

Morning Overview
Icebreaker & The role of pilots, airline operations, and flight training pathways.

Guest Speaker
Charlie Smith will lead students through discussion of launching and growing an aviation business. He'll share firsthand experiences as a commercial pilot, covering flight operations, teamwork in the cockpit, and career paths in aviation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, students will be inspired to link their interests in STEM and leadership to opportunities in aviation. Q&A.

The Birth of an Aircraft – Manufacturing & Design

Facilitator: Cecielia Pham, Community Investment Intern

Objective:

Students will analyze real-world aviation challenges through hands-on problem-solving activities that foster leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. They will also explore the local and global impact of aviation services and innovations, gain firsthand exposure to aviation environments through an interactive facility tour, and investigate potential career paths within the industry.

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Morning Overview: Icebreaker & Introduction to aircraft design and production processes.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM:
Guest Speaker: Gulfstream engineers and technicians on the design, materials, and safety innovations in aircraft manufacturing. Q&A.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM:
Visit to Gulfstream’s Appleton facility to observe manufacturing and assembly operations.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM:
Lunch (Provided)

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM:
Students brainstorm solutions to streamline aircraft assembly or improve sustainability in manufacturing. Group Project Work.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM:
Reflection & Wrap-Up

The Future of Aviation – Career Pathways & Innovation

Facilitator: Karl Schwerin, Flight Simulator Instructor

Karl Schwerin, Flight Simulator Instructor, is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in aviation training. He specializes in using advanced flight simulation technology to train pilots on various aircraft systems and emergency procedures. Karl’s expertise in simulator operations and his dedication to pilot education have made him a respected figure in the aviation community. His innovative teaching methods ensure that pilots are well-prepared for real-world flying challenges.

"Big Idea" Learning Goal: What hurdles might a young person encounter to become a pilot?

Agenda:

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM:
Participants arrive at FVL (Bell Tower entrance on south side of school).

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Morning overview & icebreaker.

9:30 AM – 10:30 PM:
Career Panel Discussion: Gulfstream (Cecielia Pham), Pilotsmith (Charlie Smith), ATW (Abe Weber).

10:30 PM – 11:30 PM:
Group Project: Student teams present their solutions to industry challenges.

11:30 PM – 12:30 PM:
Introducing flight simulators to facilitate real pilot learning: Demonstrate smooth flight by maintaining assigned altitude, headings, and vertical speeds. Demonstrate coordinated turns and figure eights.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM:
Lunch (FACE room) … then head to STEM Lab for Session Two.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM:
Using flight simulators for real-world navigation: Achieve controlled flight during take offs and landings. Utilize radio navigation devices to reach destinations.

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM:
Discussion and application of simulator experience.

2:50 PM – 3:00 PM:
Week-long program wrap-up and final thoughts.