USAFA INNOVATIVE THINKERS SPARK The Air Force Academy's Innovation Cell FALCON TANK October 18, 2019 Director: C1C Yann Wolman Deputy Director: C3C Jack Erwin GREAT HAPPENINGS AT THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY TECH FOR COLOR BLIND PILOTS WINS 1ST PLACE AT INNOVATION COMPETITION and other Academy leaders for further development and funding. Bailey Hopkins wants to be an Air Force pilot, but like 7-10 % of other men, he has red-green color blindness, an instant disqualifier. Spark cells are part of an AFWERX-led initiative to create an innovation network at A junior cadet at the Air Force Academy, Hopkins took to the stage during Falcon Tank, an innovation-themed competition, to present an idea on modifying commercially available technology to correct color blindness in Air Force-issued pilot visors Air Force bases around the world to foster local improvement ideas. The Academy stood up their first cell in 2019, joining more than 40 other cells. "I think it's important to teach cadets about innovation principles and design thinking to help them be successful in an era of rapidly changing technology," said Cadet 1st Class Yann Wollman, USAFA Spark director. "It's easy to just think about Academy cadets who are color blind and can't fly many of whom are very high-achieving individuals who could make great pilots," he said. "But there's also a large group of students who may never even consider the Academy because they know that due to their color vision limitations, they will never be able to fly." The cell is run and operated by cadets, although Wollman said he would like to expand the program to include enlisted airmen and officers. To learn more about the impact cadets are having on our community and the U.S. Air Force, visit www.usafa.edu His idea earned him first place in the competition and the opportunity to work with USAFA Spark, which hosted the event, This sponsored feature provided through a joint venture between: THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACALEMY ENDOWMENT THE COLORADO THIRTY GROUP USAFA INNOVATIVE THINKERS SPARK The Air Force Academy's Innovation Cell FALCON TANK October 18, 2019 Director: C1C Yann Wolman Deputy Director: C3C Jack Erwin GREAT HAPPENINGS AT THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY TECH FOR COLOR BLIND PILOTS WINS 1ST PLACE AT INNOVATION COMPETITION and other Academy leaders for further development and funding. Bailey Hopkins wants to be an Air Force pilot, but like 7-10 % of other men, he has red-green color blindness, an instant disqualifier. Spark cells are part of an AFWERX-led initiative to create an innovation network at A junior cadet at the Air Force Academy, Hopkins took to the stage during Falcon Tank, an innovation-themed competition, to present an idea on modifying commercially available technology to correct color blindness in Air Force-issued pilot visors Air Force bases around the world to foster local improvement ideas. The Academy stood up their first cell in 2019, joining more than 40 other cells. "I think it's important to teach cadets about innovation principles and design thinking to help them be successful in an era of rapidly changing technology," said Cadet 1st Class Yann Wollman, USAFA Spark director. "It's easy to just think about Academy cadets who are color blind and can't fly many of whom are very high-achieving individuals who could make great pilots," he said. "But there's also a large group of students who may never even consider the Academy because they know that due to their color vision limitations, they will never be able to fly." The cell is run and operated by cadets, although Wollman said he would like to expand the program to include enlisted airmen and officers. To learn more about the impact cadets are having on our community and the U.S. Air Force, visit www.usafa.edu His idea earned him first place in the competition and the opportunity to work with USAFA Spark, which hosted the event, This sponsored feature provided through a joint venture between: THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACALEMY ENDOWMENT THE COLORADO THIRTY GROUP