Photo courtesy of Midland ISD.
Midland ISD JROTC gets flight simulator thanks to $10K grant
More than 120 Air Force Junior ROTC students across four Midland ISD high school campuses now have access to a state-of-the-art flight simulator thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Midland Education Foundation.
Located in the JROTC’s remodeled STEM lab, the simulator be used as a part of aerospace science STEM courses offered to JROTC students, helping to inspire future pilots and other opportunities in military, civilian and aviation careers, according to the school district.
The technology enables cadets to “plan, fly, and navigate a variety of simulated aircraft,” the district said. Cadets can also use the simulator to prepare for the $20,000 Air Force JROTC Flight Scholarship, which helps put them on track to become a pilot.
“These flight simulators engage our cadets by increasing their knowledge of basic aerodynamics and navigation,” said Chief Master Sergeant Jeff Deynzer, who teaches aerospace science. “The availability of this type of equipment puts our students on a direct path to pursue an education or career in aviation.”
The Midland Education Foundation’s Grant for Great Ideas program was made possible by support from Enterprise Products, Diamondback Energy, Chevron, XTO, and ConocoPhillips. The program provides funds for educational programs that the district budget cannot fund, according to MISD.
Find this and other local stories in audio for blind and low-vision adults 2 pm daily on The Recording Library of West Texas radio station www.recordinglibrary.org live stream.
