Taking to the Air: An Aviation Adventure
Our Wednesday Adventure brought us to Above All Aviation, where learning through the element of Air quite literally lifted off. We were warmly welcomed by our guides for the day, Andrew Gersch and Zach Baum, along with Shawn Sullivan, owner, president, and CEO. After introductions, we were surprised with a special treat the team had arranged across the street at the Santa Barbara Airport Fire Department, which specializes in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.
The firefighters gave us an incredible behind-the-scenes tour of their department, showing the learners their powerful trucks and explaining the many tools used for firefighting, medical response, and aircraft emergencies. The kids asked thoughtful questions as kits were opened and each item was explained. One firefighter pulled a truck outside and sprayed water at full force so the kids could see just how far and powerful it was. When a learner asked what would happen if someone stood in front of the hose, the firefighter explained that the force of the water would knock you right over, which made a big impression on the group. The kids also explored the firehouse gym, dorms, and watched planes land and take off nearby. A highlight for many was getting their pulse read using equipment from the medical kit, turning curiosity into hands-on learning in real time.
Back at Above All Aviation, Shawn split the group into two smaller teams. One group headed into a restricted airport area with Andrew, where they explored the mechanics hangar, examined plane parts up close, and learned about the four forces of flight. The kids took turns sitting inside a Cessna, moving the yoke to control the flaps and pressing buttons that turned on the plane’s lights, bringing everything they had learned into their bodies and hands. Meanwhile, the other group stayed inside with Shawn and Zach, taking turns in the flight simulator and practicing takeoffs and landings. While waiting for their turn, the kids learned how to spell their names using the phonetic alphabet, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and beyond. Then the groups switched so everyone experienced both sides of aviation.
What was meant to be a 75 to 90 minute visit turned into a three-hour adventure, a testament to the generosity, patience, and enthusiasm of everyone involved. At the end of the day, the learners chose mini planes, stickers, magnets, and souvenirs before heading outside to the grass to fly their planes together. It was an unforgettable experience that brought together physics, teamwork, confidence, and wonder. We are deeply grateful to Shawn, Andrew, Zach, and the entire Above All Aviation team for opening their world to our learners and helping them truly take to the air.
