Students will explore the dynamic world of aviation through hands-on, immersive modules that highlight critical careers keeping our skies safe. From flight planning, crash investigation and pre-flight check protocol, to small aircraft building and pathways to getting a pilot’s license, participants will discover the STEM skills, teamwork, and decision-making that drive aviation operations every day.

For High School Students in Grades 9-12

Registration Deadline: October 2, 2026

LOCATION: The Ohio State University Airport

Check-In Location: Ohio State University Terminal (official address of the terminal 2160 West Case Road in Columbus, OH)

TUITION: $149

EXPLORE DIFFERENT HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES RELATED TO AVIATION AND AERONAUTICS:

Dispatch

Step into the world of aviation dispatch and discover how flight planning keeps aircraft moving safely and efficiently. During this hands-on experience, students will use real dispatch software to map out a flight route and see how weather, fuel, communication, and safety decisions shape every plan. This pathway experience highlights the essential role dispatchers play in guiding pilots, coordinating operations, and supporting every flight from the ground up.

Control Tower

Experience the fast-paced environment of the control tower and see how air traffic controllers manage constant aircraft movement. Through communication challenges that mirror tower operations, students will practice using clear and precise communication and aviation phrases to direct simulated aircraft. This pathway experience highlights the essential role controllers play in ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) / Crash Investigation

Investigate and explore how the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) uncovers the causes of aviation incidents. During this hands-on experience, they will examine real aircraft parts, learn how evidence is collected, and see how investigators piece together clues to understand what happened. This pathway experience highlights the critical role NTSB investigators play in improving aviation safety and preventing future accidents.

Small Aircraft Build and Pre-Flight

Head to the T-hangar and step into the world of homebuilt aviation with EAA Chapter 9. During this hands-on experience, students will see how a small aircraft comes together piece by piece, then walk through a real aircraft preflight to learn what pilots check before every flight. This pathway experience highlights the essential role builders and pilots play in constructing, inspecting, and safely flying the aircraft that keep general aviation in the air — along with a look at what it takes to earn a pilot’s license.

Career Pathways in Aviation (OCT 24)