Aviation Education Takes Flight

Twenty Gray Bees in the Girls and Boys Prep Divisions will begin an aviation survey course, “Journey of Flight,” when Winter Term commences in January. The innovative addition to the St. Benedict’s Prep curriculum is a collaborative effort that got off the ground thanks to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida; Benedict’s faculty and staff; David Ricketts ’86, captain and chief pilot at American Airlines and a graduate of Embry-Riddle; and William “Terry” Doan, a trustee who is a licensed pilot and advocate for aviation education.  

“Journey of Flight” will be taught by Embry-Riddle graduate and pilot Bob Romano. It is an introductory course emphasizing the core STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts required to succeed in aviation, aerospace and engineering. It will encompass a Civil Air Patrol curriculum, textbook and Embry-Riddle configured weekly practical exercises and labs, aviation history and the wide range of career opportunities in the field. Mr. Romano, who has been teaching aeronautics since 1985, plans to invite commercial pilots, Air Force pilots and psychologists to the class and organize excursions to local airports. He wants students to see how their engineering and mathematics studies are important in real life. “I love to teach,” he said. “I love to see kids grow and potentially develop an interest in aeronautics.”

Exposing minority students to opportunities in a field where they are underrepresented, was the chief impetus for bringing aviation education to The Hive. The plan is for the survey course to evolve into a dual-enrollment course offering college credit, and perhaps even expand to practicums on aviation maintenance and technician training. 

Gray Bees are definitely interested in the opportunity. Forty students applied for “Journey of Flight,” and the inaugural course includes four members of the Girls Prep Division and 16 in the Boys Prep Division. Embry-Riddle received a workforce development grant from the FAA to train teachers and invest in equipment like flight simulators. Mr. Doan has given generously to bring the academic program to The Hive. Like Mr. Ricketts, he is eager to see more students of color in the field of aviation. Associate Headmaster for Academics Michelle Tuorto H’16 is also excited about the possibilities because, “It offers another special topic kids don’t ordinarily get exposed to. You don’t know the possibilities for yourself unless you know what’s out there.”