NATIONAL
MODEL AVIATION PROGRAM
The National Model Aviation
Program (NMAP) is an
extracurricular educational program that uses free-flight model airplanes
to stimulate interest in the physical sciences, engineering, and aeronautics,
and teaches basic skills in critical thinking, cooperation and leadership.
- Open to youth age 10
and older. (Younger children at discretion of the Instructor)
- Specific goals measure
progress.
- Competition in a supportive
environment.
- Workshops available
for teachers and other adults.
- Mentors can assist
with Science Olympiad activities.
- Mentors can assist
with scouting merit badges.
- Programs available
for both indoor and outdoor flying.
- An incentive and rewards
program is available for youth who continue in the program and join NFFS.
NMAP Activities
- NMAP Program. Twice
monthly for building and flying sessions. Indoor (gymnasium) or outdoor
venues, or both, depending on local availability. Friendly competition in
a supportive environment is encouraged through local free flight clubs.
- NMAP Student Introduction.
An NMAP volunteer from your area visits the interested group, brings model
airplanes to show the youngsters and parents and explains how they fly.
A video is also available describing both indoor and outdoor freeflight
models.
- Typical Class meeting.
An NMAP volunteer helps the students or teachers construct simple free flight
model airplanes or Science Olympiad models, and provides an introduction
to the technical problems of flight. Coaching is generally on an individual
basis.
Unique Advantages of NMAP Informal Science Education
- Introductory models
are inexpensive (less than $5 for a basic kit).
- The tools for building
are minimal and also inexpensive. The models fly very well.
- Building and flying
teaches patience, motor skills, and critical thinking.
Accomplishment-Based
Rewards
NFFS encourages youth to develop a life-long interest in Free Flight, the
physical sciences and aeronautics by rewarding continued progress in NMAP
for NFFS members through a program of grants and scholarships.
Community Partnerships
Sought
NFFS seeks community
partners who can assist NMAP mentors in finding and securing flying sites
such as community centers and gymnasiums for indoor flying, and fields that
can be used for outdoor flying.
NMAP Contacts
Rocco Ferrario, NMAP Coordinator
2471 Solano Avenue, Dept. 204
Napa, CA 94558-4645
siouxzq@community.net
Ed Wiley, NFFS Education
Director
2503 Atchison Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66047
edwiley@sunflower.com
