Student Organization for Aeronautic and Robotic Research (SOARR)
By Chris Fox, Flight Safety Officer, Hammond Park Flyers Club
SOARR is a program for exceptional students maintaining and
A-C grade in their course of studies. This requirement may be waived for “at Risk” programs in the community.
Students currently enrolled in the robotics, science and math clubs are eligible for this advanced program.
There is no cost to the students for this program.
SOARR utilizes fully flight capable model aircraft and rocketry under the direction of AMA qualified Instructors as a motivational venue to promote aeronautics, robotics and the sciences which contribute to successful flight and experimental concepts of design.
SOARR is currently developing a remote site which will be used as a Martian Landscape for testing interplanetary robotic designs in Support of NASA Stennis Space Center, as well as the remote command and control center to operate the vehicles.
The program began in January 2015 as part of Hammond Recreation Dept After School Program and Youth Summer Camp Program.
All donations of any monetary value are directed to and considered property of Hammond Recreation Dept. and the SOARR Program.
The program will engage the students in the study of aeronautic design, physics of flight, radio theory and practices, maintenance and repair, experimental design, problem solving and of course, a full AMA Pilot Ground School, computer simulator exercises and Hands-on Flight Training.
AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) has agreed to provide a liability policy in the sum of $500,000 per student, per incident and requires registration by each student to participate.
Registration is also free of charge to the student.
The concept and curriculum of SOARR was created and originates in Hammond, LA. By members of the Hammond Park Flyers Club and Hammond Recreation Dept.
HPFC is a new radio control flying club based at the Helen Ricketts Rownd Model Airfield on C M Fagan Drive.
This public facility will feature an R/C airfield with 3 opposing runways, The Christa McAuliffe Memorial Rocket Park and the Mary Hill Heliport for R/C helicopters.
Under development is the Hammond Speedway, which will serve a twofold purpose of racing r/c ground vehicles and a mock-up Lunar/Martian landscape for interplanetary robotics simulations and operations.
While the organization is in its infancy, the members are veteran pilots as well as being substantially engaged in related fields of safety, health, education, law, medicine, commercial flight operations, and the military services of the United States.
All services by HPFC are on a non-compensated volunteer basis and are required public service by HPFC of all its members annually.
HPFC/SOARR is a supportive program coordinating with and including:
City of Hammond:
- Mayor’s Office
- Parks and Recreation
- Grounds Maintenance
- NASA/Robotics Program
- Academy of Model Aeronautics
- Albany High School
- *Commercial and Business Support
- Federal Aviation Administration
SOARR Goal
To enhance and enrich the interest of youth in the pursuit of the aviation related sciences of aerodynamics, aeronautic engineering, propulsion, avionics, metallurgy, ergonomics, life support systems, electrical and mechanical engineering, design and testing .
Methodology
To use model aviation in all its forms (plane, helicopter, drone, rocket, kites, balloons and parachutes) to motivate the interest in all aviation related sciences among youth from ages 6 to 19.
SOARR uses a system of didactic instruction, audio visual programming and hands –on exercises.
Didactic instruction includes lecture by a qualified AMA Instructor in conventional classroom environment supported by audio visual aids, chalkboard, demonstration models and work books.
Visual programming includes PowerPoint Presentations on aviation related sciences, Science Presentations of PBS as well as commercial movies on historical aviation and science related topics such as “Red Tails”, Pearl Harbor” and “Wings over Indiana” to make it fun.
Curriculum
History of Aviation
Basic Aeronautic Principles (Physics of Flight)
Control Surfaces
Propulsion systems
Meteorology
Basic Electrical Theory
Basic Theory of Electronics
Basic Theory of Radio
Hands On:
Circuit Construction
Weather Observation
Wind Tunnel Testing
Aircraft Construction (rubber band)
Aircraft Construction (Glider)
Aircraft Construction (Radio Controlled aircraft)
Flight Operations
Test Flight Observation
Test flight of all constructed aircraft
Computer simulated flight training
Rocket Construction (Pneumatic/hydraulic)
Rocket Construction (pyrotechnic with parachute recovery
Field Flight Operations with flight instructor
Solo Flight
Award of AMA Model Pilot Wings
Considerations:
The AMA, NASA and HPFC all support and partner in various degrees of activity and programs with both Hammond Recreation Dept. and HPFC respectively. This relationship and with that of local commerce is an ideal venue for success of the program.
SOARR Program Goals
The primary goal of the SOARR Program is to expose and engage students in the science of aeronautics and aviation, as well as related fields of science which are an integral part of aviation operations. This includes:
Basic Aeronautics
Meteorology
Basic Physics
Basic Electronics/ Radio and Signal Technology
History and Future of Aviation
Engineering, Design and Experimentation of Aerial Vehicles
Basic Safety, Health and Environmental Issues associated with Aviation and SOARR exercises.
Methodology
SOARR uses a system of didactic instruction, audio visual programming and hands –on exercises.
Didactic instruction includes lecture by a qualified AMA Instructor in conventional classroom environment supported by audio visual aids, chalkboard, demonstration models and work books.
Visual programming includes PowerPoint Presentations, Science Presentations of PBS as well as commercial movies on historical aviation and science related topics such as “Red Tails”, Pearl Harbor” and “Wings over Indiana”
Hands-On Participation
Basic electric and electronic circuits
Introduction Two way radio
Introduction to radio control devices
Introduction to Basic Physics of Flight/Basic Aerodynamics
Flight Exercises with Paper planes and Balsa/Rubber Band Planes
Requirements
Participation in the SOARR program is voluntary.
Students must demonstrate an interest in any one of the electronics, radio, aeronautics, aviation, engineering or mechanical aspects of the Program’s offerings.
Due to the cost and sensitive nature of many of the Program’s activities the student must adhere to a strict code of behavior becoming of an aspiring professional.
The SOARR Program will do everything in its power to accommodate special needs applicants in accordance with Hammond Dept. Of Recreation standards.
For more information about SOARR, contact:
Christopher Fox
[email protected]
