Aviation

Soar to New Heights

If Aviation is a passion of yours, you will love our Aeronautical Science courses where you learn to fly and earn college credit.

Why Aviation?

While students at other schools might be focusing on an upcoming Algebra exam – and even daydreaming about becoming an astronaut, students in the Aviation program at Farragut diligently master the fundamentals of flight, both on campus — which houses a flight simulator — and at Albert Whitted Airport, where students hone their skills as pilots in one of the many rented Cessnas on site.

Students who choose to take aviation gain self-confidence, responsibility, career exposure, and a skill that looks impressive on a resume.

Aviation 2013-2014-Brooke Liu Solo

On the ground, students learn from pilots.

More than 750 Farragut students have received flight training
Courses for students in typically 9-12 due to core curriculum scheduling.
State-of-the-art, on-campus aviation ground school facility houses six (6) Basic Aircraft Training Devices (BATD) which replicate the Cessna 172 & Diamond DA-40 aircraft equipped with either standard instruments or Garmin 1000 glass panels.
Small class sizes with 5:1 instructor ratio.

In the sky, students are the pilots!

2 hours allotted during the academic day for flight training at Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg.
Fly a variety of entry-level aircraft, including Cessna 172 or Piper Archers
Around 45 students have earned their Private Pilot’s Certificate while at Farragut.
Over 100 students have matriculated to the No. 1-rated aviation college, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Approximately 15% of our Aviation graduates have gone on to fly in the service or in the commercial sector.
Known as the “Sunshine City”, St. Petersburg has on average 360 days of sunshine which is perfect for flying all year long.

Highly qualified flight instructors

Aeronautical Science degrees
Airline transport pilot, advanced ground instructor
Commercial pilot Multi-Engine Instrument, CFI
Embry-Riddle graduate
Retired Airline captain (Eastern)
Over 100 years of combined aviation experience

Is the Private Pilot Certificate recognized worldwide?

Any certificate issued by either the FAA and/or a foreign country that is a member of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), which nearly every nation is a member, is typically recognized internationally. However, there may be some limitations that other countries impose, such as the pilot getting approval from that country’s governing aviation authority. For example, pilots from Canada and Europe that come to the U.S. typically need to have some sort of practical exam to be granted the same pilot certification privileges they held in their respective country.

“The aviation program has been a great part of Billy’s education and a true mark of pride for our family.” – The Price Family

Aviation 2013-2014-20121025_jcg_1295

Aviation Curriculum

Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace (Grades 9-12) - Cost $100

Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace class for students in grades 9-12.

Class covers:

Lab fee: $100 for materials and PCATD training

Aircraft Systems and Performance (Grades 10-12)

Aircraft Systems and Performance
This course is designed to enhance and highlight student interest areas. Students pursuing an Aviation Career typically take this class in 10th grade.

In the Aircraft Systems and Performance course, students in the pilot and UAS tracks will take an in-depth look at the systems that make manned and unmanned aircraft work. Beginning with aircraft propulsion, students will learn about the different types of engines that produce thrust to propel an aircraft or UAS. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including fuel, electrical, landing gear, and environment. In order to fly an aircraft safely, students must also learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers airplane flight manuals, the pilot’s operating handbook, and required aircraft documents. This course will introduce students to basic aircraft and UAS structures and their major components, principles of flight, and the fundamental physical laws affecting flight. Students will learn about basic aerodynamics and forces that act on aircraft in flight. This course will also introduce the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS.

AOPA Pilot Pathway (Grade 11-12)

embry-riddle

This course is a prerequisite for the Aviation Academy.

This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation, and will prepare students to take either of two Federal Aviation Administration tests: the Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include: pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures. The UAS Operations course will cover small unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (micro-meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. Students will be prepared to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test upon completion of this course.

Aviation Academy for Private Pilot Certificate (Grade 12) - Cost $17,000

Students are required to pass the private pilot written exam before entering the Aviation Academy, and meet applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements

Students fly and take Ground School during three periods of the academic day. Grades are based on successful completion of:

Pre-solo written exam
Private Pilot written exam
Private Pilot check ride

Course will appear on transcript for a total of three academic credits as:

Aerodynamics
Aeronautics
Aeronautical Math/Science

Course max: 5:1 student/instructor ratio.

Aviation Academy Costs

The total cost for an Aviation Academy student at Farragut wanting to earn their Private Pilot Certificate is only $17,000 vs. $32,830 (the total value of the program).

All prices are subject to change based on airport rental rates.
Students must pass FAA written and practical to earn Private Pilot Certificate.
Purchasing the Flight Program package does not guarantee Private Pilot Certificate.

The program was initiated by Eastern Airlines Captain Jose Hercher and expanded and developed by Robert Ewing in 1998. Since, our aviation department has produced professional pilots who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States and others who have flown or are flying in the commercial sector.

1987 – Aviation was offered as an elective
1998 – Mr. Ewing was hired as the Aviation Instructor and began to create the Aviation Program
2007 – The Aviation Program began to offer Private Pilot Operation training to earn a Private Pilot Certificate
2015 – A Cirrus SR22 G2 Turbo (N568SR) was donated to the school by Mr. Don Elliot
Today – Training is offered as three periods during the academic day

Did you know?

St. Petersburg is recognized as the birthplace of commercial flight. Tony Jannus piloted a Benoist XIV flying boat on the first scheduled commercial aircraft flight in history, taking off in the yacht basin near the future site of Albert Whitted Airport, where Farragut students take off and land. The airport was later created in 1928.