Aviation 101 is the first in this six-semester elective program where students are introduced to aviation, aeronautical, and aerospace science. This introductory course taught as a project-based class, studies the history of flight, the physics of flight, aircraft systems, engines, instruments, air traffic control procedures, and weather. This course has several field trips to local airports and IFLY, along with guest lessons from local pilots and aeronautics engineers. Students can apply their knowledge through approximately five hours in a full-motion Cessna 172 flight simulator.

In Aviation 201, a project-based course, students study the history of the space program, satellites, rocketry, human physiology, space flight, and long-term space projects such as the Mars mission, ISS, and a possible moon base. Students continue their flight training in the flight simulator over the semester.

Aviation 301 covers flight physics using mathematical formulas to determine lift, thrust, drag coefficients, and surface area-to-weight ratios. We will begin 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 to become pilots.

Aviation 401 focuses on aeronautical and aerospace engineering. Students 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.

Aviation 501 teaches students the fundamentals of cross-country flying, which includes planning a flight route, navigating a flight route, 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 Aviation 601 prepares students to complete the Private Pilot Written Exam successfully. 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.