Project Showcase

Aviation students assembled and flew kites to better understand the relationship between groundspeed, airspeed, and headings. By gathering current wind data and expressing it in both GMT and local time, they predicted the best heading for achieving maximum altitude in the shortest time. After testing both opposing headings, they analyzed flight performance and reflected on whether their predictions were accurate, deepening their understanding of key aviation concepts.

• How hands-on experience with kites helped bring aviation concepts like groundspeed, airspeed, and headings to life.
• The importance of interpreting wind speeds and headings correctly when planning for takeoff.
• That real-world testing can reveal misconceptions and improve understanding of theoretical concepts.

This project connects to my personal interests and career goals. I have traveled frequently for competitive soccer, which has sparked my fascination with flight. Additionally, my brother is an engineer, which has further fueled my curiosity about aviation. Enrolling in the Butler Tech Aviation pathway is my first major step toward achieving my dream of becoming a pilot and traveling the world.

Initially, I misunderstood how wind speed and headings affected takeoff. My first heading choice did not generate optimal lift, but after testing the opposing heading, I saw a significant improvement. This hands-on experience clarified the relationship between these terms, and now I am eager to apply this knowledge in an actual airplane.

I am most proud of gaining confidence in my ability to interpret wind data for takeoff planning. At first, I struggled to connect theoretical wind information with practical application, but after this experience, I now feel much more prepared to make informed decisions in aviation.