NASA gives hands-on experience to air show attendees Published July 27, 2006 By Tim Rodenberger Public affairs Grand Forks AFB, ND -- Smiles and numerous declarations of “I wanna be a pilot when I grow up,” showered Hangar 601 as NASA pilots from the National Suborbital Education and Research Center gave autographs and tours of the DC-8 flying science laboratory at the “Thunder over the Red River” air show July 22. NASA proudly displayed not only the DC-8 flying science laboratory but the NASA F-18 and various atmospheric onboard the DC-8. The NASA DC-8 arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base in September 2005 as a joint venture between NASA and the University of North Dakota in an effort to advance the studies in atmospheric sciences. From Houston to Honolulu, the DC-8 flying science lab has undergone various atmospheric experiments, taking a five-year residency in Grand Forks. NASA research pilot Bill Brockett commented that the project’s mission is to “leverage scientific infrastructure” and to make the project “more available to larger scientific community.” Mr. Brockett, with fellow pilots Ed Lewis and Mike Thomson, handed out NASA posters, stickers and booklets of information to curious children while explaining how hurricanes form, how NASA measures the ozone layer, satellite systems etc. UND faculty took spectators on technical tours aboard the DC-8. The faculty also demonstrated how students at UND utilize the DC-8 for their academic studies as hands on experience “students cannot get out of the classroom,” said Mr. Brockett. Brockett and his staff hoped to demonstrate to air show attendees how NASA’s mission is still pertinent to everyday life while the pilots hope their careers serve as an example of excellence. With the signing of every autograph and after the flash of every picture, F-18 pilot Mr. Thomson proclaimed the famous catch-phrase that NASA instills to the inner-child of all fans, “follow your drea