Aviation Pathway

Welcome Aboard!

Are you ready to take your passion for aviation to new heights? Our Aviation Pathway at Air Academy High School (AAHS) offers an exciting journey into the world of flight. Leveraging the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, our program combines hands-on experiences with exposure to the aviation industry through professional speakers and worksite visits. With the aviation industry in high demand and endless possibilities for flight-related employment, our program is designed to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling aviation career.

Program Overview

Our program is perfect for students interested in becoming future private pilots or earning their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial drone pilot certificate). You'll follow a series of yearlong courses each year of high school, with the goal of completing ground school during your junior year at AAHS. You'll then sit for either the FAA’s Private Pilot Knowledge Exam or the FAA Part 107 Exam at a certified FAA testing facility. Students who pass their exams will have the opportunity to continue their aviation pursuits by participating in work-based learning activities during their senior year, along with continuing the AOPA curriculum.

Why Choose Aviation?

The aviation industry offers incredible career opportunities. Did you know that the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 in 2023? Additionally, the commercial drone sector is booming, with the number of remote pilot certifications projected to reach 472,269 by 2028. These high-demand, high-paying jobs are waiting for you right out of high school!

Join Us at Air Academy High School

If Air Academy High School (AAHS) is not your neighborhood school, use the School Choice process to apply. Once you are attending AAHS, there is no application process for the initial stages of the Aviation Pathway. Join us today and take off toward an exciting career in aviation!