This is the first of a six-semester elective program in which students will be introduced to aviation, aeronautical, and aerospace science. Taught as a project-based class, this introductory course will study the history of flight, physics of flight, aircraft systems, engines, instruments, air traffic control procedures, and weather. Included in the course are several field trips to local airports and IFLY along with guest lessons from local pilots and aeronautics engineers. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through approximately 5 hours in a full-motion Cessna 172 flight simulator.

In this project-based course, students will study the history of the space program, satellites, rocketry, human physiology and space flight, long term space projects such as the Mars mission, ISS, and a possible moon base. Students will continue their flight training in the flight simulator over the semester.

This course covers the physics of flight using mathematical formulas to determine lift, thrust, drag coefficients, and surface area to weight ratios. We will begin the process by developing engineering skills through short-term projects and experiments. The focus is to develop the skills of would-be pilots and engineers. Topics such as electrical systems, airport security, and airport design will also help students prepare for the next step in becoming a pilot.

This course emphasizes aeronautical and aerospace engineering. Students will learn about keeping a professional engineering journal as they take on 4-5 design challenges. Examples of these design challenges may include creating and testing airfoils using 3D printing and designing and building a working wind tunnel.

This course teaches students the fundamentals of cross-country flying, which includes planning a route of flight, navigating a route of flight, interpreting aviation weather reports/maps, and preparing the aircraft’s weight and balance. Students will obtain approximately 10 hours in a Cessna 172 full-motion simulator, and by the end of the course should be able to perform a solo flight in the simulator without instructor input.

In this course, the emphasis will be on preparing the student to successfully complete the Private Pilot Written Exam. Students will utilize the flight simulator for approximately 10 hours to practice their private pilot maneuvers or be introduced to instrument flying, which is flying exclusively by the use of instruments and without the use of outside references to maintain aircraft control.