Our Mentors

Friends of SWISD EAA35.m4v

BUILD TEAM mentors

Our build mentors, bring our student build managers in at the start of class and discuss the goals for the day. They work in small groups to teach the skills and proper use of the tools used in the build of the VANS RV-12is. The level at which we are working on this plane would not be possible without their expertise and guidance!

EAA Chapter 35 Member, Vice President

Darren coordinates our mentor involvement for EAA chapter 35 and acts as the lead in the effort to build the Vans RV-12is. In the shop, Darren oversees build tasks in conjunction with Frank C., Jon and Frank P. He also gives the students instruction on tasks for the build.

EAA Chapter 35 Member

Frank assists in coordinating build activities in the shop and has been the primary source of information for our kids on obtaining scholarship opportunities. He also takes up the banner for build updates when Darren is not in the shop.

EAA Chapter 35 Member

Jon assists in coordinating build activities and teaching students different techniques for working with tools in the shop. He also helps the students understand the plans. The build group is usually split into two smaller sections and Jon takes charge of one group.

EAA Chapter 35 Member

Frank assists in coordinating build activities and teaching students how to use tools in the shop. Frank also helps students understand build plans. Frank works with the students in one group in the shop when he is available.

FLIGHt team mentors

Our flight team mentors, help us coordinate ground school and assist the students on the simulators. Their personal experience as pilots have been an integral part of getting our kids immersed in what it means to be a Pilot in Command!

EAA Chapter 35 Member: Membership Chairman, Flight Advisor, Safety Officer

Ron is our in house flight instructor! He helps manage the work students do on our Redbird Jay Velocity flight simulators. He works with two students at a time on the simulators and reinforces what they learn in ground school.

EAA Chapter 35 Member

Jane assists the school as a CTE advisor and in class she works with the students on ground school work. She is a pilot with an instrument rating, and answers questions about flying in class. Jane is also integral in setting up guest speaker opportunities and field trips for the students.