New High School Aviation Program Trains Prospective Pilots

May 6, 2016
Superintendent and long-time pilot, Dean Paul, is putting the final touches on a new high school aviation program.

Superintendent and long-time pilot, Dean Paul, is putting the final touches on a new high school aviation program. Something that may serve as a remedy to the "desperate need for quality and highly trained pilots" in the airline industry,  according to Alex Bloye, director of aviation at Northwestern Michigan College. 

The program, aimed at high school juinors and seniors, will give students the opportunity to earn class credit while still in high school  

"This is really encouraging," Pellston Regional Aiport Manager Kelley Atkinds told Petoskey News. "[Paul] has done a great job spearheading this. It’s kind of a no-brainer for us. You don’t see as many [young pilots] as you used to so I’m looking forward to seeing what the response will be from the kids themselves.” 

The two-year course offers the chance for students to earn a private pilots license, although that fee would not be covered by the high school.  

After completing the program, students wishing to continue in the field have to take a private pilot written test and then Northwestern Michigan College will give five credits free in the private pilot ground school. Another five credits will be awarded to student who earned a private pilot license.  

The fees saved could save students more than $1,000.  

“It goes to show the commitment that ... Superintendent Paul have in providing quality aviation education in Northern Michigan,” Bloyd told Petoskey News. "It hasn’t really been available to students north of us in the past.” 

The courses, which will be taught at the Pellston Regional Airport, will offered to students in three districts. 

"We’re creating more opportunities for students in our region to take more of those hands-on classes,” Paul told Petoskey News. 

Paul will also bring in presenters from the airline industry to speak on a variety of topics. 

The program will accept between 10 and 15 students. An open house for the program will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 17 at the Pellston Regional Airport.