Free Adventure Tool and Online Courses

by Julie Gentry | More from this Blogger

David's been wanting to join Civil Air Patrol. If you don't know about it, it's sort of a years-long boot camp for kids wanting to join the Air Force, learn to fly, or just learn life experience skills. We have so much going on already that I don't think we can fit it in the schedule without sacrificing something else. Right now, I'm not willing to do that. While searching around for deals, I think I found a solution!

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is offering a free adventure tool. It has a compass, whistle, flashlight, magnifying glass, and thermometer. All on a thick lanyard. This is perfect for Boy Scouts, or for anyone making hikes in remote areas. I looked for them online and, with shipping, they run about $12.50. AOPA is offering them at no charge for taking a 3-question quiz. I got 67%, missing the question about following instructions. Go figure.

While I'm excited to get the Adventure Tool, I'm more excited about the site. Free online courses. Free, my favorite price! These are courses intended for adults, and they are top-shelf learning. After completion, most of the courses print out a completion certificate. This is great for homeschoolers using an assessment or portfolio option to satisfy their state requirements. They also count as a safety seminar credit for the FAA WINGS program.

If you're interested in learning to fly, they'll send you a 6-month trial membership that will answer questions, give you resources, and point you in the direction of a good flight school for your in-air requirements. Since we live 15 minutes from the local airport (a little one), it's something that we're reminded of every day. I'm glad to find AOPA to help us along.

Link to the free online courses

Link to the quiz for the free Adventure Tool. Good through June 22, 2007.

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Julie is affectionately known as GoGo Mama to her friends since she seems to always be out and about.

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