The first year of the Jasper County Airport’s high school aviation education program has come to a close. From the excitement of the first day to the achievements of our students, it has been a year filled with growth, learning, and inspiration.
When we launched the program, our goal was simple yet ambitious: to provide students with a unique educational experience that combines hands-on aviation training with a deep understanding of the aviation industry. We wanted to ignite a passion for aviation and aerospace careers while equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as they move on from the program.
Through a years-long collaborative effort between the Jasper County Airport Authority, Indian Trails Career Cooperative, Rensselaer Central High School, and Ivy Tech Community College, the Airport’s high school aviation education program took off in the fall of 2023. Learn more about the program here. The enrolled students were immersed in the airport environment each morning, learning about aviation not only in their classes, but also through real-life experiences. These experiences included FAA-certified flight simulator training, airport visits, discussions with various aviation professionals, pre-flight and maintenance demonstrations, and more.
Aviation class tour of private jet at Jasper County Airport
All three of the courses at the airport were offered as dual-credit through Ivy Tech Community College. Graduates of the program walked away with 11 college credits in just one year of high school, on top of earning the CTE Concentrator status necessary to graduate with a Technical Honors designation.
One of the courses offered by the airport is Private Pilot Theory. By far the most demanding class offered currently, Private Pilot Theory introduces all of the ground knowledge needed during flight training and prepares students to take their Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Though not required for course completion, a passing grade on the exam is required in order to obtain their Private Pilot Certificate. Three students enrolled in the airport’s courses attempted and passed their Private Pilot Knowledge Exams on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Aviation class tour of the engine lab in Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology
Throughout the school year, we discussed many aviation careers in various fields, including flying, maintenance, air traffic control, engineering, airport/Fixed Base Operator (FBO) management, law, finance, and more. Two seniors from Kankakee Valley High School graduated from the program this spring with future plans in aviation. One student will begin his flight training at Eagle Aircraft Flight Academy in Valparaiso this summer and one will attend Purdue University this fall, pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering Technology.
A new program is bound to come with challenges, but the passion and patience exhibited by the students enrolled truly helped to continue propelling the program forward. The obstacles and stresses experienced throughout the program development effort has been made worth it through their success and achievements. We are so immensely proud of our students and hope to continue providing support throughout their educations and careers.
Three aviation courses are slated for the 2024-2025 school year. If you or someone you know may be interested in the program, please call (219) 866-2100 or email emily@jaspercountyairport.com for more information.
Signed,
Emily Hackler
Airport Manager & Aviation Management Program Instructor