Lawrence University Aviation Summer Camp

On the Ground – Airport Operations & Visitor Experience

Facilitator: Abe Weber, Airport Director

Abe Weber, Director of Appleton International Airport, is a seasoned aviation professional with over 18 years of experience. He is committed to enhancing air travel and passenger experience in Northeast Wisconsin. Under his leadership, the airport has seen significant growth and improvements, making it a key hub in the region. Abe’s dedication to innovation and community engagement continues to drive the airport’s success.

Objective:

Students will develop a clear understanding of the core functions of airport operations while exploring how leadership and innovation shape effective airport management. By examining behind-the-scenes operational programs and applying creative problem-solving, they will engage with the real-world challenges airports face today.

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Morning Overview: How airports manage logistics, security, and passenger experience.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM:
Guest Speaker: ATW executives on airport management, air traffic control, and customer service innovations. Q&A.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM:
Facilities Tour: Behind-the-scenes airport operations, including security, baggage handling, and air traffic control tower.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM:
Lunch (Provided)

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM:
Group Project: Students develop creative ideas to improve airport efficiency, safety, or traveler experience.

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

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.

Innovations in Aircraft Completions & Design

Facilitator: Noah Kobin, Group Head, Mechanical Engineering Group at Gulfstream Aerospace

A graduate of Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Noah went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University. He started his career at Gulfstream as a design engineer and has worked in various roles within the engineering group over the past 21 years on the path to his current role. Noah was a Community Advisor in the Student Leadership Program for several years and participates in many of Gulfstream’s educational outreach efforts primarily geared toward sharing
career opportunities in the aerospace field with high school students.

Objective:

Students will analyze real-world aviation challenges through hands-onproblem-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 Gulfstream Aerospace.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM:
Guest Speaker & Q&A: Connecting with Gulfstream engineers and technicians on career pathways.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Facility Tour: Visit to Gulfstream’s Appleton facility to observe completions center for large-cabin aircraft and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center that provides major service and modifications for mid-cabin and large-cabin aircraft.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
Lunch (Provided)

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM:
Group Project Work: Students will work to design an optimal aircraft interior layout based on a specific customer mission, balancing space, weight, and functionality.

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, 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.