#SCTweetup #smilemovie Aviation Challenge at US Space and Rocketry Center

On Friday before the premiere of "A Smile As Big As The Moon" we had the opportunity to tour the Aviation Challenge facilities at the US Space and Rocketry Center. Aviation Challenge gives the campers a chance to learn to fly simulated fighter jet missions. From their website: AVIATION CHALLENGE®, added in 1990, is geared toward young people interested in military and commercial aviation with programs for all age levels based on "Top Gun" flight training. It is regarded as the nation's leading military aviation- based educational camp program.

Due to our time constraints we were not able to actively participate in any of the simulators (unless you count Jeffery the Tiger). However our tour was enough to make me want to go back and attend camp, and now Natalie does as well. :-)

Our wonderful tour guide


This plane was in the movie Top Gun with the numbers 111 on it instead of the 103 currently painted on, with @glorialloyd @libbydoodle @funky49 and @gabesalas


Jeffery says "Rescue me! These crazy Navy Fly Boys are kidnapping me!"

NASA


Everyone made sure that I noticed the Air Force was represented


The Centrifuge used to simulate the conditions a fighter pilot must with stand. 



One of the more advanced simulators (I think this one simulates the F-22, but I could be remembering it wrong)


One of the many simulator screens











 
@ssquire, @kelleyapril and @gabesalas listening to our tour intently


During the warm months the students complete water rescues, as well as zipline activities, which actually looked like a lot of fun, and I am a big chicken



Marine Harrier

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