Aviation 1 & 2 students from NHS arrived at the Bakersfield Jet Center for a general presentation about safety and different aircrafts from pilots and industry partners.
“For most of our students, this will be their first time in an actual airplane, and they are so very excited for this event.” - Magali Lewis, Aviation Instructor, NHS
They learned about crosswinds and flight patterns. They also went through the preflight process including an aircraft safety inspection, followed by a 20-minute flight enjoying a bird’s eye view of Bakersfield. This experience gave students an opportunity to apply the lessons they learned in the classroom and on flight simulators at NHS.
“This is a very important event for our students. It gets them excited about aviation, places them in contact with local industry, and lets them see what it really feels like to fly in an airplane. Our students have spent many hours in the classroom learning about flight.” - Magali Lewis, Aviation Instructor, NHS
Tristan Aranda is a sophomore at NHS. This was his second year in aviation and his father came along to watch his son’s flight.
“I’m fortunate to be able to see my son pursue something he is so passionate about! He fell in love with Project Lead the Way in middle school and now aviation is what he wants to do.” - Pete Aranda, Parent
After the flights students discussed their desire to pursue careers in the aviation field such as pilots, flight attendants, and aviation mechanics. Others say they just took the class to help them get over their fear of heights!
“I am so fortunate. Not many kids get this experience. We learned how to taxi, take the controls, and see how the instruments function. My grandfather was a pilot and I want to be one as well!” - Austin Thomas, Aviation Student
The professional and volunteer pilots talked with students and family members about additional opportunities for aviation education, scholarships, and careers available.
“Kids these days don’t get to experience aviation and don’t really get much exposure to it since airports are so secure. I’m happy to volunteer my time to introduce them to the cost-effectiveness of flying and the many career possibilities they have ahead of them in this field.” - Dave Nance, Pilot
The event took place on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Bakersfield Jet Center located at Meadow’s Field.
