"Ron Wanttaja" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 20 Oct 2003 12:18:19 -0500, Big John wrote:


This sounds like "Opportunity Skyways," which is an alternative high
school
program for disadvantaged kids. However, I'm not sure about the
building-other-people's-airplanes-for-them part. Though some of our
chapter members (we meet in their shop) have provided some kits for them.
Several of our chapter members also work as advisors for the program.

For the most part, the group builds the same airplanes over and over.
They
build a Zenair, then take it apart. Then the next year's class does it
again.

I think the first time the plane was built, it was flown once (by one of
our chapter tech counselor/flight advisors. Don't think the lawyers have
let it fly again.

Ron Wanttaja

Geez what a shame - and where's the educational benefit in doing this?
Ok they may pick up some hand skills and workshop techniques knowledge but
where's the motivation in building something knowing it's only going to be
dismantled when you're done?

If these kids are disadvantaged in some way many probably have enough crap
and purposelessness (? you know what I mean) in their lives already to put
up with besides being required to play at pretend aeroplane builders.

A kid is presented with the opportunity to actually participate in a team to
build a real, somewhat complex piece of applied technology and engineering
that can actually fly, only to have their efforts deemed not trustworthy
enough to see the project through to its ultimate and rightful conclusion -
sounds like a recipe for alienation on a grand scale to me. No doubt these
lawyers are among the first to bemoan any increase in youth perpetuated
vandlism and crime too.

Aubrey