Students from Mountain Home Christian Academy’s eighth-grade class recently spent a morning at Baxter County Airport, learning about aviation and potential career opportunities in the industry.
The visit was hosted by pilots with the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF). Students began the program with an aviation video lesson on aerodynamics in the Civil Air Patrol classroom, provided by Lt. Col. (ret.) Gary Smith.
After learning the basics of how airplanes fly, the class split into groups to experience hands-on aviation activities. Students had the opportunity to fly the foundation’s FAA-certified flight simulator, explore aircraft on display and learn about the capabilities of unmanned aircraft, or drones.
Pilots and volunteers also answered questions about the many career paths available in aviation.
Aircraft featured during the visit included a Zenith experimental aircraft, a powered parachute, a Rockwell Lark and an American Champion Scout. Students were able to sit in the cockpits and learn about flight controls while interacting with experienced pilots.
Cody Cline, an independent certified flight instructor, spoke with students about learning to fly and the wide range of civilian and military aviation careers.
During the visit, LEAF officials also discussed the organization’s four-year Aviation STEM Studies program, which has been adopted by MHCA and will begin for ninth-grade students next school year. The program uses aviation concepts to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is currently used by more than 14,000 high schools nationwide.
Students completing the program may graduate with the option of earning an FAA commercial drone operator certificate or passing the FAA private pilot written exam.
The Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, a nonprofit organization, works to educate and support students interested in aviation careers. Since 2023, the group has awarded more than $38,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing aviation and aerospace studies.
Two types of scholarships are available for students in grades six through graduation, providing up to $2,500 for aviation summer camps or college-level study in aerospace-related fields.
More information about LEAF programs or scholarships is available by contacting the foundation at 870-656-6005 or LeadingEdgeAviationFoundation@gmail.com.
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