The number of pilots in the United States has been on a gradual decline for the last decade. While there may be dozens of factors at play, two of the most important are teaching method and accessibility.
As it is done today, flight training comes in two stages: ground school and flight instruction. But there is a disconnect between the two. While flight instruction is hands-on, ground school tends to be in a classroom environment. Often times, students will complete a ground school course but not pursue flight instruction.
Additionally, young adults in areas without access to general aviation have difficulty finding the resources to train. Airports may be far away, or the cost of instruction may be too high for a high-schooler deciding between a used car or a career in aviation.
So how do you make flight training available and engaging to more students?
WingRunner is the solution. The vehicle is designed to give students hands-on, real world experience with aviation concepts. WingRunner is an electric vehicle that teaches students how to taxi a plane. It can switch between tail-dragger and tricycle landing gear configurations. The cockpit and fuselage are realistic, allowing students to learn how to preflight, check fuel and oil, and even “start-up” the engine.
But WingRunner goes beyond being a taxi trainer. It comes standard with an FAA certified flight simulator under the hood. This allows any student to log time with a certified flight instructor that can be used towards their pilot’s certificate.
Imagine the following scenario:
WingRunner is brought by small trailer to the parking lot of an inner city school. After a brief classroom session with the certified flight instructor, students are brought outside to the vehicle. They are shown the controls, and how the wing and tail surfaces move in response. They preflight the plane, checking static ports and pitot tube. Then it’s time to get in.
One at a time, students practice taxing through a course set up in the parking lot. They use the rudder pedals to steer the plane, and line up for takeoff. Then, the instructor shifts the WingRunner to simulator mode, and they “take-off”. The student can take the controls without the common “first flight” fears. With a little practice, students can be taking off and landing in no time.
After the lesson, students are left with more than a classroom lesson. They have experienced the concepts of flight training hands-on. With hope, that experience will last longer and be a more powerful motivator for the future.
Specifications:
Capacity: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Length: 18 ft
Width: 8 ft
Height: 7 ft
Power: Electric-Drive Main Wheels