FAIRBORN — Students interested in pursuing a pilot’s licence now have a free avenue of learning through the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Thanks to a partnership between Wright State University and the Air Force Museum Foundation, students can now register for two introductory-level courses to understand what being a pilot really looks like.
Although the classes do not give school credit and cannot be substituted for a college course, they are similar in difficulty and practicality, perhaps even more so given the flight simulation technology the museum employs for students, according to museum officials.
The two classes offered this year are Intro to Pilot 101, and Complex Aircraft 201, the first of which being a prerequisite for taking the second. The museum website describes these to be a brief overview of what flight school might be like, and a sort of “try before you buy” program for potential pilots.
In order to take a class, students must be between the ages of 14-18, be able to attend all sessions, have reliable transportation to and from the museum, and have no physical limitations when it comes to entering and exiting the simulators.
Each program is split into two categories: Traditional courses and compressed courses. Traditional courses take place after school hours and take more days to complete, but class time is shorter each day. The compressed schedule begins earlier and includes several breaks before ending, and takes only one or three days depending on the course.
Each class will consist of just six students, based on qualifications and time of registration.
To register, the museum asks that students or parents email [email protected] with the subject line “Introduction to Becoming a Pilot,” and the following information: Student’s name, class number for requested class, age, name of a parent or guardian, email address, phone number, city, and state.
More information on the classes, their class number and exact schedule can be found at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
Contact Ethan Charles at 937-502-4532.
