A partnership between Tracy Area, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Murray County Central, Marshall Schools, and Tracy Aircraft were awarded a $44,076 LYFT Pathways grant to develop an Introductory Pilot class that will begin during the 2018-19 school year.

There is a nation-wide shortage of pilots and mechanics and many of the current industry professionals will be retiring in the next 10 years. This course will provide up to 15 students each year with ground school and flight lessons. The course will take place on seven Saturday mornings and two extra days or evenings to complete all of the required hours. Grant funds will be used to purchase a flight simulator and to cover a portion of curriculum development, student transportation, and flight instruction.

At the end of the course students will have the opportunity to take the Private Pilots Written Exam. The flight simulator will also be incorporated in the curriculum of science and technology classes during the school year by providing lessons on the physics of flight. The flight simulator will also be rented out to Tracy Aircraft during the year to keep it being used and to generate income for sustainability.

During the 2018-19 school year, 12 students took this course.

During the 2019-20 school year, five students took this course.

During the 2020-21 school year, three students took this course.

During the 2021-22 school year, three students took this course.  

For more information contact Chad Anderson at Tracy Area School District.

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