The program consists of seven courses in two aviation / aerospace STEM Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways:

1. Pilot
2. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

9th Grade Course Topics:

These core courses provide the foundation and career opportunities in both CTE pathways. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, innovations and technological developments of today’s aviation and aerospace industries. It will focus on various sectors of aviation and elements which make up the aerospace ecosystem. Students will engage in the exploration of modern innovations and ideas to address real-world challenges.

• Introduction to Aviation
• Aerospace History
• Engineering Design

Semester 1 - Launching into Aviation

Semester 2 - Exploring Aviation and Aerospace

10th Grade Course Topics

These courses will introduce the students pursuing the Pilot and UAS tracks to the aircraft they may operate in the future. Students will explore the types of aircraft used today, how they're categorized, identify their parts, and learn the construction techniques and materials. Students will become familiar with an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag), calculations, aircraft design, stability, controls, and maneuvering flight. Students will explore aircraft powerplants, fuel systems, and how it may affect aircraft design and performance. Exploration of key aircraft systems, electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. The unit will cover flight manuals, required aircraft documents, aircraft performance, and how to determine critical operating data.

• Forces of Flight
• Aircraft Systems
• Aircraft Performance

Semester 1 – Introduction to Flight

Semester 2 – Aircraft Systems and Performance

11th Grade Course Topics:

This course is foundational for both crewed (Pilot, First Officer, and Flight Attendant) and unmanned (Flying Drones) pathways in aviation.  The first semester curriculum for Pilot and UAS pathways are the same. The student will choose a pathway in the second semester for Pilot or UAS operations.

Semester 1 - The Flying Environment

Preparation for either of the two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tests:

• Private Pilot Knowledge Test
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test

The topics consist of:

• Pre-Flight Procedures
• Airspace
• Radio Communications
• Aviation Phraseology
• Regulations
• Airport Operations
• Aviation Safety
• Weather
• Cockpit Management
• Emergency Procedures

Semester 2 – Pilot Pathway: Flight Planning

This course will cover the remaining topics necessary to the take the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The students will learn about pilot and aircraft qualifications, cross-country flight planning, weight and balance, performance and limitations, human factors, chart use, night operations, navigation systems, and aeronautical decision-making.

• Students will be allowed to participate in multiple practice examinations
• At the end of course, school may choose to arrange for students to take the FAA Private Pilot written exam

Semester 2 – UAS Pathway – UAS Operations

This course will cover many topics:

• Surrounding UAS Missions
• Mission Planning to UAV Performance
• Crew Resource Management
• Upon completion of the course, students may take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test

12th Grade: PILOT PATHWAY

These courses will take the student beyond the “private pilot certificate” and will examine career options. It will lead to focusing on the future of aviation five, ten, or twenty years from today.  Students learn about and conduct different types of research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.

Semester 1 – Preflight Your Career

• Instrument Flight
• Advanced Aircraft
• Future of Aerospace

Semester 2 – The Capstone Experience

This is the culmination of the student learning experience! Students will have the opportunity to work as an individual or in a group setting to study and report on an aviation topic of their choice. The goal of this project is to allow the students to gain knowledge and understanding of a contemporary topic in aviation.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students by including presentations and activities to help guide their research and project development.

12th Grade: UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) PATHWAY

After preparing for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Test, the students can earn a FAA certification and CTE stackable credential to work as commercial drone pilots. Students will learn real world scenarios on how drones are utilized across various industries. Students will also learn how drone operations can be used to build or enhance a business, and the entrepreneurial skills necessary to get a start-up off the ground.  Students will review the drone rules within communities and enable them to make recommendations to elected officials on optimizing UAS operations.

Semester 1 – A World of UAS

• Advanced Missions
• Advanced Drone Tech
• Future of Aerospace

Semester 2 – The Capstone Experience

This is the culmination of the student learning experience! Students will have the opportunity to work as an individual or in a group setting to study and report on an aviation topic of their choice. The goal of this project is to allow the students to gain knowledge and understanding of a contemporary topic in aviation.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students by including presentations and activities to help guide their research and project development.

Aerospace Apprenticeship and Career Preparation (Semester Course Topics)

• General Career Skills
• Aviation-Specific Career Skills
• Workforce Success Preparation
• College/Universities Research/Application Assistance
• Scholarship Application Assistance
• Resume Assistance