SOAR Into STEM Session 3: Aircraft Mechanics and Engineering

By Carmelo Turdo

SOAR Into STEM Session 3 was held on Saturday in the Wings of Hope World Headquarters hangar at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. This third of four sessions began with the issuing of new aeronautical chart samples that reinforced the symbology and critical airport data used in the previous week's navigation exercise. The new theme of Mechanics and Engineering was then introduced. This included a discussion of vocations in the aeronautics field, educational options to enter these vocations and how other scientific and service fields aid in the design, construction and ongoing support of aircraft over their service life. Leading the session was Robert Powell, Education Director for the Challenger Learning Center of St. Louis, with help from volunteer mentors and Wings of Hope staff throughout the day.

The first activity on the Mechanics and Engineering topic was the installation of an electrical system on a foam aircraft cutout. One objective was to mount a circuit to the aircraft so that two electric motors would run their propellers powered by a battery pack with a switch. Another objective was to add a circuit running navigation lights on the wingtips and tail controlled by a second switch off the same battery pack. The students worked on this project for about 45 minutes, most completing the first objective and working on the light circuit, before having to break for the next activity. 

   

The students were then treated to a video chat with Jenna Cadwallader, who served as a Flight Technician working on the construction and testing of the Perseverance Mars Rover at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA. She obtained her A&P Mechanic/Avionics Technology Certification at a trade school while working full-time and developed the skills to join the JPL team for the development of Perseverance. She described the rigorous procedure for suiting up and entering the "clean room" where the rover's sample collection system was being tested, noting that the stringent biological safety standards already in place allowed the work to continue throughout the recent pandemic period. Cadwallader also provided numerous illustrations where teamwork among technicians and engineers was crucial to overcoming difficult deployment obstacles. She answered questions from the students and used herself as an example of someone who is pursuing her career in an unconventional way.

After lunch, the students formed three groups and rotated through the afternoon activities:

Balsa Rubber Band-Powered Aircraft Flights

The students constructed a standard balsa wood rubber band-powered aircraft and attached it to a line attached to a stationary post. The object was to measure the distance flown as a factor of the circuits passing a fixed observation point. Several trials were made, each with a different number of turns to the rubber band powering the aircraft and some with weights attached. This activity illustrates the effects of structure, weight and balance and propulsion.

Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Tour

The Students were given a tour of the Wings of Hope maintenance hangar where several aircraft were opened up for inspection. A&P Mechanic Paul Burtis explained the process of aircraft construction and maintenance using examples such as pieces of the Cessna U206 nose landing gear on the bench and commonly used brackets and other hardware. The importance of proper safety wiring technique was also demonstrated with a standard training aid.

Piper Cherokee Engine Cleaning

Students assisted A&P Mechanic Curtis Kelley with hands-on aircraft servicing tasks. This Cherokee was donated for use by the SOAR Into STEM Program, but had been outside in the open aircraft shelter for a number of years. It was now time to clean and prepare it for future sessions. The propeller and cowling panels were removed, and then the aircraft was moved outside. There, the remains of bird nests and other debris were blown off the engine with a compressed air gun. The aircraft will remain a valuable tool for inspiring the next generation of aviation industry professionals for years to come.

The students met with their volunteer mentors to discuss the lessons of the day and other topics of aviation interest. Here we survey the groups as they gathered before dismissal for the day.