District 155 Pilots New Aviation Course

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL -- District 155 is expanding learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls to offer students a unique opportunity to earn FAA Private Pilot Ground School certification. District 155 has partnered with the Lake in the Hills Airport to provide a ground school course taught by a commercial pilot and FAA certified ground instructor, according to a news release. Boeing estimates a need for 1.5 million pilots and technicians globally over the next 20 years and this program also provides a vocational option for students.

“This course will provide a strong foundation of knowledge and increase student’s exposure of aviation. Students interested in aviation can advance in high school allowing them to reduce costs in college,” said Johnnie Thomas, superintendent for District 155.

D155’s aviation course is meant for students who are interested in pursuing several careers including: pilot, flight operations support, dispatcher, FAA, and engineering. Students will learn the fundamentals of aviation, which includes FAA flying regulations, airport operations, airspace, aeromedical factors, aeronautical decision making, weather reports, radio communication, and risk management, according to a news release. D155’s aviation course will also cover a lesson about drones, small unmanned aircrafts. These lessons which will prepare students to obtain an unmanned aircraft commercial operator license.

Classes will be hosted at Crystal Lake South High School on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Students will attend 18 classes throughout the fall semester; two classes will be held on Tuesdays. The aviation course begins Monday, August 21, and concludes on December 18. This course will provide students with the necessary information to pass the Private Pilot Written Knowledge Test.

The district is hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, April 27 at Crystal Lake South High School in the Library at 7 p.m. The cost to take the FAA Private Pilot Ground School course in District 155 is $350. Students interested in enrolling should contact their counselor. A limited number of spots are open.

“Giving students an option to take a class in the evening allows us to offer flexible scheduling for students while also earning elective credits towards high school graduation,” Thomas said.