News Summary
Eight high school students participated in discovery flights at Greenville Downtown Airport, gaining practical experience in aviation during South Carolina Aviation Week.
Greenville: High School Students Experience Aviation First-Hand During Discovery Flights at Greenville Downtown Airport
On April 30, eight high school students took to the skies during discovery flights at Greenville Downtown Airport, part of South Carolina Aviation Week. This annual event aims to highlight the educational and economic significance of the aviation industry in the state.
Located at 100 Tower Drive near the Greenville Convention Center, Greenville Downtown Airport is one of the 58 public-use airports in South Carolina. The airport collaborated with both Greenville Technical Charter High School and the Greenville County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovation Center to create this unique opportunity for students.
Partnership and Participation
Four students from each of the partnering schools were chosen to partake in the 45-minute flights, which were conducted by local flight schools. The collaboration between Greenville Downtown Airport and these educational institutions has been vital for the success of their aviation programs, allowing students to gain practical experience in the field.
Aviation Programs and Curriculum
Both participating schools feature dedicated aviation-focused programs aimed at sparking interest in aviation careers among high school students. The CTE Innovation Center has an aerospace-technologies program that concentrates on fundamental aviation concepts, preparing students for a variety of roles in the industry.
Students enrolled in the program often express a strong desire to pursue careers in piloting. The instructor for aerospace technology at CTE Innovation Center has noted that students demonstrate a keen interest in becoming pilots. Meanwhile, Greenville Technical Charter High School is recognized as the first institution in South Carolina to implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association curriculum in its aviation program.
The aviation program at GTCHS offers three career pathways: pilot, aerospace engineer, and aircraft maintenance, broadening students’ exposure to different aspects of aviation. In addition, the program provides private pilot ground school training, which is crucial for students aiming to enter the field.
- Juniors in the program receive preparation to take the FAA private pilot written test.
- Seniors engage in actual flight training to further enhance their skills.
Future Aspirations
Participating in the discovery flight experience, students had the chance to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and envision their futures in aviation. One of the students, Vaughn Klein, who is a junior at the CTE Innovation Center, aspires to become a pilot in the Air Force. His participation in the flight was part of a broader aim to bolster skill development and encourage students to explore the aviation field actively.
Community Engagement in Aviation
The director of Greenville Downtown Airport has expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of engaging the local community and students in potential aviation careers. By providing hands-on learning experiences, the airport and partner schools are not only fostering interest in aviation but also contributing to the broader economic development of the region.
In conclusion, the discovery flights at Greenville Downtown Airport offered valuable experiences for high school students, underscoring the collaborative efforts between local aviation organizations and educational institutions to promote aviation careers. Through programs like these, students are not only exposed to the realities of the aviation industry but are also being prepared for meaningful roles within it, which is crucial for the continued growth of aviation in South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Greenville Students Take Flight
- Aviation Week: Lockheed’s First Bulgarian F-16
- Aviation Pros: GSP Airport Celebrates SC Aviation Week
- Google Search: Aviation Careers for Students
- Wikipedia: Aviation
