Basic Technology: Introduction to Flight

Join instructor Thomas Esposito from the GEaRS (Global Education and Research Services) team in Intro to Flight!

This course will introduce students to the exciting history and development of flight. Starting with lighter than air vehicles through gliders, propeller driven aircraft, the jet age, and ending with modern day unmanned vehicles. Students will learn the fundamentals of both fixed wing and rotary wing lift, propulsion, flight controls, navigation and air traffic control. Possible trips being offered during non-school hours: NAS Patuxent River and/or Maryland State Trooper Seven at St. Mary’s County airport may be arranged.

At the conclusion of this course, students will know the fundamentals of aviation history, how aircraft achieve lift, how aircraft are controlled, and how they navigate.

Please note: To ensure the best learning experience, activities may be modified depending on student needs, resources, or instructional planning.

Instructor Bio: Thomas Esposito: Graduated from Aviation High School in New York City and soon earned his FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic’s license. He attended New York’s Academy of Aeronautics before transferring to Parks College of St. Louis University and earned a degree in aircraft engineering. He started working at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River MD (NAWCAD) in 1985 and has worked as a flight test engineer, systems engineer and program manager for various Navy, USMC and Coast Guard aviation programs.