Greenwood's Aviation Theme

Greenwood Elementary School's aviation theme or focus is unique, in that it is the only K-5 Aviation program in the United States — one where children learn the principles of flight [ground school] and also learn to actually fly airplanes (if their parents choose to arrange the flight lessons with one of the local flight schools). Students are able to simulate flight through the use of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 Professional; learn to construct airplane models and fly in Cessna 172's.

Greenwood teachers and volunteers provide instruction for the primary grades [K-2] and intermediate [3-5]. Those grades also benefit from programs offered by the Museum of Flight. Guest instructors include flight instructors, representatives from the Airline Pilots Association, the National Organization for Women Pilots, the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, the Association of Airline Pilots, The Civil Air Patrol, NASA, the FAA and retired aviators and engineers.

Greenwood has an aviation museum with a repository of rare books, materials, instruments and artifacts. The museum has a number of items that have been donated by Mr. Maynard Wege, a retired Boeing Engineer. These include: a replica of a 1903 Ford from the same era as the "Wright Flyer"; a replica of the Wright Flyer; a child-sized airplane whose propeller is powered by bicycle pedals; a Japanese cockpit instrument panel, outfitted with WWII instruments; a leather, fully lined flight suit with flight boots; a scale model of one of the Boeing 747's that was not chosen for construction; and numerous rare books, photographs and film. Dr. John Wood, a retired university history professor, who taught aviation history for a number of years at James Madison University, donated 40 rare books on aviation to the museum. Mr. Nick Lavandier, owner of Webster Hobby Shop, donated model airplanes and materials. Mr. Fred Boyns, comptroller of ASA, an aviation materials company, supplied a classroom sized E6-B slide rule that is used in planning a flight. Mrs. Marie Campbell, owner of the Aviation Training Center, donates aviation materials to the school, and provides fifth graders with access to many of the facilities at the Training Center Mr. Ross Roberts, a retired C-130 navigator, donated a flight suit, used by him, and numerous books and materials.