(Photo provided by Chinook’s Edge School Division)
Local students have been cleared for takeoff, after participating in a career pathway learning opportunity in aviation.
Through a partnership between Chinook’s Edge School Division, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), and Sky Wings Aviation 12 Grade 11 and 12 students were selected to participate in the aviation ground school program in April.
“A key focus in our work through CACI is helping students transition to post-secondary,” said Brianne Fletcher, Chinook’s Edge Career Connections Coordinator. “We want students to have the confidence to pursue a certificate or degree and be successful.”
Following the program in the spring, the school divisions offered two more program sessions in the 2024-25 school year. The current session will wrap up on Oct. 26.
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“I was interested in the program because of my love of airplanes and my experience in air cadets. Cadets helped develop my interest in aviation. I also saw this as an opportunity to gain ground school hours to get my license,” said Jonathan Schafer, an Olds High School Grade 12 student.
Schafer added that during the program, he is looking forward to more personal instruction with the small class size and expects he will be able to ask more specific questions.
Participating students attend classes at Sky Wings Aviation, at the Red Deer Airport.
During class, they learn the Theory of Flight, Air Law, Meteorology, Engines and Airframes, Weight Balance, Performance Charts, Communications, Navigation, Human Factors, Pilot Decision Making, and Flight Operations and Instruments.
Students were chosen to participate in the program based on attendance, current marks, school achievements, and an interest in an aviation career.
Once students complete the program, they will qualify to register in ground school and can pursue a private pilot license.
**With information provided by Chinook's Edge School Division
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