Pave Hawk pilots pave the way for local students Published April 19, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron met with approximately 100 students at the International English School U.K. Breckland in Brandon, England, to discuss academics in aviation, April 17. The aircrew focused on aspects of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum, to cultivate an interest in academic disciplines that align with being a pilot. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a pilot when I started college,” said a 56th RQS pilot. “My intent was to get into something to do with engineering, so I went to the U.S. Air Force Academy because it’s one of the best engineering schools.” According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 16 percent of high school students are reported to be interested in a STEM career and even less pursue jobs in the field. The 56th RQS pilot said she found her way to aviation through STEM disciplines and inspiration from her parents who were also pilots. “I saw my parents come home in flight suits and combat boots everyday so it didn’t cross my mind that flying wasn’t an option,” she said. By bringing aviation into the classroom, the aircrew hoped to inspire students through active engagement and by providing interesting facts about how STEM academics, such as atmospheric sciences and technology, are used in flying. “The weather can influence what altitude we fly at, visibility and which runway is safe to land on,” said another 56th RQS pilot. “When cloud cover is a problem, we rely on the technology the aircraft is equipped with, so it’s important that we understand how to use it and operate it all correctly.” One member of the aircrew said that dedication to mathematics can be vital to flight engineering. “Math is one of my least favorite subjects but it’s necessary,” said a 56th RQS flight engineer. “I have to calculate an accurate weight and balance, and must have a good understanding of how those calculations will affect flight.” Still, not all the skills necessary for aviation are complex. Another member of the aircrew said occasionally the team may have to rely on a paper map for navigation purposes. “I was shocked when they said they’ve used a regular map to tell where they are going,” said an IES Breckland student. “That’s so simple and really awesome at the same time.” The 56th RQS supports local educators in their effort to expand young minds of the future generation so that they may continue to advance technology and sustain innovations to facilitate progress in our local community.