Students’ futures take off in Maxwell’s Flight Operations program

     At Maxwell High School of Technology, students have access to programs that prepare them to enter the service industry or a post-secondary institution. Their exposure to Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) training and pathways connects them to valuable academic, technical, and employability skills.

     The school’s Flight Operations program builds foundational aviation knowledge, covering aviation history, flight principles, navigation, aerospace, and meteorology. Instructor Linda Minor, a former commercial pilot and flight instructor with a special education background, emphasizes hands-on learning.

     The program follows Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) requirements, with standards based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot ground school curriculum. The program includes leadership development and guest speakers providing advice and insight on post-graduation options.

     Students rotate through six learning centers featuring computer games, airplane component projects, and flight simulators. Jimena, a student in the program, says she was interested because it’s different from other pathways.

      “In my Flight Operations pathway training, I did different activities inside and outside of class that helped me become a better version of myself,” Jimena adds. “I also learned how to handle situations and group work with different kinds of personalities after being in such a diverse class.”

     Minor notes not all students aim to be pilots. Many pursue aviation careers like aerospace or mechanical engineering, air traffic control, or aircraft mechanics, with some entering airline training directly after graduation.

     Learn more about Maxwell High School of Technology programs and CTAE opportunities online.