FAI AVIATION & SPACE EDUCATION COMMISSION
Report to the FAI Ballooning Commission Meeting, March 1999
FAI Aviation & Space Education Commission Activities
By Kirk S. Thomas, CIEA Secretary
The FAI Aviation & Space Education Commission (CIEA) held their last meeting in July, 1998 at Cranfield, UK during the large air rally held there. What follows are highlights from that meeting.Attracting young people to our air sports continues to be a strong focus of the Commission. The use of the word 'aviation' below signifies ALL forms of manned flight, including aerostation.
1 . Youth Programs
Youth camps have been established in Finland, though ballooning has not yet been included. Other youth aviation education programs have been established in Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the USA through their Aero Clubs. Unfortunately, ballooning has only rarely been included in these programs. It is vital that balloonists in these (and other) countries get involved with their Aero Clubs to influence these youth programs.
2. World Air Games
Youth participation in the last World Air Games (WAG) held in Turkey was limited to aeromodelling. Perhaps model balloons (which are not covered by the Aeromodelling Commission) could be included in the opening ceremonies of the next WAG to be held in Spain? The CIA would have to organise this.
3. Discussion Group
A discussion group was held by CIEA at the FAI General Conference which included the topic, "Attracting Youth to Aviation." Without young people taking up our air sports, they will die out. The consensus of the group was that there is a 'generation gap' in the air sports and that many pilots and clubs are really not able or interested in attracting young people to our air sports. While there are some good programs out there, there must be a higher level of activity by all of us for significant progress to be made.
4. FAI Young Artists Contest.
Again, a large number of entries were received by the NAC'S, and again, balloons were often used in the paintings. Last years theme was "Create A Poster For The "Airsport Olympics"'. This year's theme is "Flying For Fun."
5. Resource Materials for Teachers
CIEA is developing resource materials to assist teachers, which includes information on ballooning principals. Currently, there is a Guide to Aviation & Space Education that is a single introductory volume, and the Aviation & Space Education Instruction Aids, which are currently available in 4 volumes. These materials can be obtained through the NAC's and parts of the materials will be available on-line at the CIEA website shortly. The address is: http://www.fai.org/education.
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE
FAI AVIATION SPACE EDUCATION COMMISSION
By Arthur Westworth, President, FAI PR Committee
1. The CIEA met in Cranfield, England in July 1998. Delegates from 14 countries attended and there were 6 recorded apologies.
2. MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION
Several new countries have been approached to join the CIEA. Currently there are 29 countries and 4 Air Sport Commissions with either Delegates or Liaisons to @ CIEA,
3. 1998 FAI YOUNG ART
Although 21 countries participated, the actual number of entries was down on previous years. It was felt that the reason for this was due to the theme - "Create a poster for the Air Sports Olympics" - not being easy to Interpret graphically. Once again it will interest the CIA that balloons featured prominently in the wide variety of outstanding entries. The theme for 1999 Is "Flying is Fun"
4. YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN WORLD-AIR GAMES
It was felt that the WAG present an ideal opportunity to include the youth, and a World Air Games Working Group was formed. One of the suggestions for action is to approach the Air Sport Commissions about involving children or young people as messengers and assistants to scorers and judges, for example. A proposal to the Spanish organisers could be to develop an "Adopt a Child" program for the event. Balloonists have the added advantage of being able to invite the youth to join the team and participate as part of the crew in the retrieve vehicle. Perhaps a compulsory flight as part of the fiesta part of the event could be scheduled.
5. RESOURCE MATERIALS WORKING GROUP
Much information is now downloadable from the CIEA web site (www.fai/org/education) and anyone interested Is encouraged to make contact to see exactly what teaching aids are available. A Consultation Service will become available to be performed on a reimbursable basis for expenses.
6. FAI RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
No new museums have been added to the existing list of 19. Any member of the CIA knowing of a suitable candidate museum should please contact me for further information.
7. ADULT AVIATION EDUCATION (Not flight training)
A guide to help small airports in their PR efforts with their neighbours is being prepared. This is to provide for the inclusion of information on Open Days, Air Shows or any other activities that would enhance the value of having the airport where it is.
8. OFFICE BEARERS FOR 1999
9. CIA REPRESENTATIVE ON THE CIEA
I will be attending the 1999 CIEA Meeting In Washington DC as the South African Delegate and am available to act as the CIA Representative if so nominated and elected.
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