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Take Flight

at St. Mary's Ryken

Our four-year Flight Academy program focuses on aviation skills and critical thinking abilities for students with a goal toward careers in aviation.

St. Mary’s Ryken students will have the opportunity to obtain their private pilot’s or unmanned aircraft systems operator’s knowledge certification by their junior or senior year.

Students at St. Mary's Ryken participating in the Flight Academy Program Flight Simulator
St. Mary's Ryken student in the flight academy program

Students to Careers in Aviation

The mission of SMR’s Flight Academy is to prepare students to be leaders in the aerospace communities. By incorporating an aviation STEM curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation, our students will develop extensive aviation sciences knowledge aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Certification Standards, as well as be prepared to take the FAA private pilot or Part 107 remote pilot knowledge tests required for full operator certification.

Our robust SMR Flight Academy simulation laboratory, which includes 24 flight simulators, will enhance the student experience by allowing hands-on experience in multiple aircraft simulations. In addition, our students will develop the skills, critical thinking, and knowledge to excel in the aerospace commercial or military industries.

Why Aviation?

Industry analysts have named drone pilots one of the fastest-growing job markets. As more companies and industries look to unmanned technology to improve their businesses, capable and licensed pilots are in increased demand.

208,000

new pilots

192,000

new technicians

Curriculum

St. Mary’s Ryken has adopted a curriculum from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for students to begin freshman year.

Upon completion of the SMR Flight Academy courses, our students should be able to:

  • Appreciate the rich history of aviation, motivating a strong desire to lead development and exploration across new aerospace frontiers
  • Demonstrate sound aviation skills and critical thinking abilities through their experience in comprehensive aviation academics, hands-on experimentation, applied enhanced flight simulation, and robust aerospace project planning and execution
  • Possess the knowledge and skills required to pass the FAA private pilot or Part 107 remote pilot knowledge tests
  • Possess a broad knowledge of aviation opportunities and of formal university programs that can launch careers in the aerospace commercial or military industries
  • Possess a lifelong zeal for aviation and aerospace

Students will indicate their interest in the Flight Academy Program during the course selection process just as they would for any other elective. All new students are welcome to enter the Flight Academy Program.

Course Offerings

Click on the icon to read the course description.

  • Learn More About the Flight Academy

    Our interactive classroom provides all students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding in the field of aviation.

 

Flight Academy Instructor

Gerald Swift

Gerald Swift

Math Teacher/Flight Academy Facilitator