Aviation instructors glimpse life in the control tower

Photos by Kaylee LaRocque John Slate, an instructor with Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, talks with AC1(AW) Richard Price about how many aircraft he monitors each day at the NAS Jax Air Operations Control Tower.

"We have placed three instructors at NAS Jax so they can get an understanding of the latest and greatest technology and then get together and develop classroom activities that relate to their experiences," said Tina Wirth, director of Workforce Development with the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"For example, the instructors visiting NAS Jax could come up with an activity that incorporates principles of physics and aerodynamics, principles of leadership and teamwork, along with written communication skills. So the student may sit down and do one activity that incorporates three or four subject areas all wrapped around aviation. That's the cool outcome of this program," Wirth continued. "The instructors are from a career academy which is a school within a school designed to teach a career theme to prepare kids for college and careers simultaneously." The trio spent their time working side-by-side with Navy air traffic controllers in the control tower and radar room to get a glimpse of how the controllers handle the wide variety of aircraft going in and out of the station each day.

AC2(AW) Kendrick King, an air traffic controller at NAS Jax Operations monitors frequencies with Russ Henderlite, an instructor with Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology. Three instructors spent several days at the tower last week to gain a first-hand look at the daily routine of air traffic controllers at the base.

"It's a great experience because this is real life. We talk about it in the classroom and read books, but now we have instructors who can apply what Navy men and women are doing here every day with what we're trying to teach teenagers about the jobs they may be doing in the future," stated Charlie Rutledge, an instructor with the Aviation Career Academy at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology. "It's very exciting to be here both on a professional level and personal level. My dad was stationed here in the 1960s and I spent quite a bit of time here growing up. It's good to be back."

The externship program has four primary goals: "Professional development that provides hands-on experience in a contemporary workplace environment. The externship increases teachers' awareness of industry needs and requirements. Teachers will be educated about the types of skills necessary for the workplace. "Bridging the gap between the workplace and the classroom is accomplished with active business involvement. Creative workplace experience allows educators to apply real-life career situations to classroom curriculum, giving students up-to-date information to relate what they learn to workplace applications.

"Development of curricula that have the potential to change the way that students think and learn about the world beyond their classroom walls. Teachers gain exposure to the workplace, develop connections with professionals in fields related to their subject areas, and incorporate new information into their classes.

Photo by Clark Pierce (From left) Duval County Public Schools Physics Teacher Russ Henderlite, Technical Education Specialist Charlie Rutledge, and Aviation Teacher John Slate discuss the importance of technical training for high school students with NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. during their June 18 learning tour hosted by the NAS Jax Air Operations Department.

"Build strong relationships between education and business. The relationships that teachers build with businesses through their externships can reap benefits for students in the form of site tours, collaborations with company representatives on class projects, and even work experiences for the students themselves.

By hosting the group, the air traffic controllers also gain the benefit of realizing they are helping the future generation workforce. "It's a great deal for us because we get a chance to influence the people who are molding the next generation of air traffic controllers. We help them go back and teach the students what they have learned. Eventually, we may see some of these students working with us," said ACC(AW/SW) Karl Vliet of NAS Jax Air Operations Department, who coordinated the visit.

Overall, it's a win-win situation for the Navy and the school. "The chamber is grateful to the Navy in so many ways and this is just one small example of what a great partner the Navy is in helping us to elevate the education gain here in the region," said Wirth.