For one London-area high schooler, being enrolled in an aviation school lets her not only learn about the intricacies of flight, but also hang around others who share the same passion.
For one London-area high schooler, being enrolled in an aviation school lets her not only learn about the intricacies of flight, but also hang around others who share the same passion.
“It’s a super great opportunity, because I’m getting a head start on my career and learning things kids don’t learn until college or university,” said Sophie Hersey, 17.
The aviation student, whose career plan includes military flying, is in her second year of the Thames Valley District school board’s flight program, based at Montcalm secondary school in northeast London.
The program is open to all Thames Valley students, beginning in Grade 10.
A school day might include a bus trip to an airport hangar to work on engines and sheet metal projects, and learn about aircraft mechanics and tech design, Hersey said.
“Aviation is not a super common topic. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity. It’s a really unique opportunity to learn,” she said.
Though students still study the basics, such as geography and physics, the courses are all linked to the aviation specialty.
“One of projects we did was build a model airplane. We used our transportation and tech design skills to create the airplane,” Hersey said. “We are combining the courses together in an interesting way.
Nathan From, a licensed aircraft mechanic and program teacher, said students come from across the board’s territory, including Straffordville, St. Thomas and Glencoe.
Currently, students have to provide their own transportation to the classroom, but that is under reconsideration, a board spokesperson said.
“My course is transportation. Everything has its spin on aviation or is related to it,” From said, adding he escorts a different group of students to the airport every day.
“I get them learning hands-on about aircraft and aircraft components.”
Considered a school within a school, the program has been around for four years, but the pandemic seriously affected how students could learn, From said.
“This is the first year we are getting some momentum going,” he said. “Last year, I was teaching online. It’s difficult to teach a shop class online, but that was the reality at the time.”
Besides topics such as flight control, hydraulics and pressurization systems, students learn about the importance of safety, From said.
“We can’t just pull over, so safety is huge,” he said. “We help students understand the whole scope and how broad that is.”
Students interested in applying to the program are advised to talk to their guidance counsellor when choosing Grade 9 classes, From said. Soon, they’ll host day trips to offer sixth-graders a feel for aviation at an even earlier age, he said.
But he said staff won’t turn away a student who indicates a passion for flight.
“Our goal is to inspire students to what is in the industry and how to get involved,” From said.
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