collaborates with local nonprofit organizations to integrate aviation-based curricula into regional schools, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) curriculum and the Choose Aerospace program. “The AOPA curriculum is designed to very easily meet the needs of and standards of high school curricula, addressing math, history, and other subjects, but through an aviation lens,” Strom notes. “Students get introduced to the world of aviation while seeing it from multiple perspectives.The curriculum allows students to complete requirements for the private pilot written exam before leaving high school.” Aviation education at the secondary level has shown significant growth nationally since 2017, when the FAA began allowing high school students to earn unmanned aircraft (drone) pilot certifications. Saint Francis leverages this opportunity as an entry point. “Many local schools have been introducing students to drones,” says Strom. “Advanced Air Mobility is coming. Getting students introduced to drones and their systems, from electric motors to advanced command and control systems, prepares them for future opportunities.” PASSION BEHIND THE PROGRAMS Personal dedication drives the educators at Saint Francis University, where industry experience informs teaching philosophy and program development. “Aviation safety is the absolute top priority,” Pavkovich 88 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 05, ISSUE 02
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx