AHTC Guiding Principles
Powered flight has five central principles that have applied since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903. Many advancements have occurred since then, but the basic principles remain. Thrust, drag, lift, weight, and steering are absolute in humankind’s quest to dwell in the wild blue yonder. Stability requires these principles to be controllable and in equilibrium. They are adapted to serve as underlying principles of the Aviation History & Technology Center
Thrust
Thrust is the result of combining fuel and air in complex mechanisms that control conversion of the energy and harness it into motion. Forward propulsion for the Aviation History & Technology Center will be fueled by multiple facets of individual, commercial, communal, and municipal support. Cultivation and diversification of revenue streams, manpower, in-kind resources, historical artifacts, and collaborative efforts will underlie all forward progress.
The integrity, authenticity, and stewardship of the museum relies upon the people of the organization, from the chairman of the board to the newest volunteer staff member. Collectively, the assembly of their skill sets, experience, knowledge, continued training, and additional resources serve as the mechanism for the conversion and harnessing of the energy. For longevity of the organization, the mechanisms and structure must be calibrated to provide consistent power rather than rapid speed. Responsible and ethical acquisition of resources, creative conversion of the energy contained within, and precision vectoring of outputs will maximize both the efficiency and power of community support.
Drag
Drag is the aerodynamic resistance to motion created by the interaction of an object’s profile and ever-changing environmental factors. The Aviation History & Technology Center operates in the dynamic environment of the community which it serves. Fluctuations in the needs and values of the community, coupled with the possibilities of stagnation and inertial resistance to change can be detrimental to the museum’s stability if adaptation is not considered as the museum’s community profile increases.
To maintain a value that is relevant and contributory to the community, recognition and reduction of drag will be achieved by paying close attention to changing community dynamics, streamlining of internal processes, reduction or elimination of outlying performance-inhibiting elements, and constant evaluation of key performance indices. In doing so, efficient usage of thrust (resources) and community impact (lift) are maximized.
Lift
Lift is the aerodynamic force that holds an aircraft aloft by opposing the force of gravity. It is created as air foils interact with the surrounding environment. Lift for the Aviation History & Technology Center consists of a diverse array of programs, people, and artifacts that interact with, and have a positive impact on, the surrounding community through fulfillment of the museum’s mission.
By using aviation as a gateway for engagement, educational initiatives conveying relevant history and S.T.E.M-based principles facilitate a welcoming environment for lifelong learning and inspiration among guests. Unique personal experiences and bilateral involvement further enrich the community building potential of the Aviation History & Technology Center.
Weight
Weight is the force of gravity pulling an object downward. Designed to be a vessel that is capable of long range and carrying the immense cargo that is the local legacy of aviation, every element incorporated into the Aviation History & Technology Center will be assessed for the burden it places on the organization, the strength that it provides, and the inherent flexibility for adaptation.
These assessments, coupled with innovative and collaborative design will minimize unnecessary overhead, eliminate excessive expenditures that do not further the mission, and maximize the human and financial capital put into community impact.
Steering
Steering is essential for control and is achieved through mechanical manipulation of control surfaces which alter the flow of air around an aircraft. Steering allows for precision navigation along charted courses, adaptability to unexpected conditions, and avoidance of direct threats. The Aviation History & Technology Center staff and board will use a regularly updated mission, vision, and strategic plan to provide this guidance.
Adherence to the mission, established plans, staff input, community input, and following best management practices established by the over-arching museum industry will influence the goals of the organization, how those are prioritized, and the charted path to each. Although deviations from established plans will occur, they must be thoroughly evaluated for immediate and long-range impacts to the success of the museum.
