Aviation Academy Overview

Students may enroll in Year 1 or continue into Year 2 for advanced study. Year 1 focuses on foundational aviation knowledge and UAS operations; Year 2 deepens management, meteorology, leadership, and advanced VLOS flight skills. Two days each week, students take class at the Ohio State University Airport, where they work in a real aviation environment overlooking the runway, explore active flight operations, and connect classroom learning to the professional aviation world.

Credit Summary

Year 1: Yearlong program (2 periods daily)

2.5 high school credits total • Semester 1 – 1.25 total credits & Semester 2 – 1.25 total credits

• Includes: Introduction to Aviation Industry, Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations, and Aviation Research & Field Experience
• CTAG Alignment: Introduction to Aviation and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
• Industry credentials include FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) Level 1 certifications.

Year 2: Yearlong program (2 periods daily)

2.5 high school credits total • Semester 1 – 1.25 total credits & Semester 2 – 1.25 total credits

• Includes: Aviation Airport Management, Aviation Meteorology & the Flying Environment, and Aviation Leadership, Innovation, & Co-op
• CTAG Alignment: Airport Management and Aviation Meteorology.
• Industry credentials include USI Level 3 VLOS and USI Level 4 VLOS Flight certifications.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Open to grades 10–12. Year 1 has no prerequisite. Year 2 requires successful completion of Year 1 plus USI Level 1 and FAA Remote Pilot certification (Part 107).

Who Should Participate

Grades 10-12 students excited by aviation, flight technology, and hands-on STEM applications, who want to learn in a real airport environment. Ideal for those interested in piloting, airport management, aviation meteorology, dispatch, aerospace pathways, or UAS entrepreneurship. Learners should enjoy problem-solving, collaboration, and precision in technical and operational tasks.

Things to Note

• Approximately 250 work-based learning hours across guest speakers, field trips, flight labs, projects, credential work, and on-location airport experiences.
• Students attend class two days per week at the OSU Airport, connecting directly with airport operations and industry professionals.
• Year 2 “Leadership, Innovation, and Co-op” has a capstone leadership and project-based focus rather than an external internship.
• CTAG exams typically occur in April; FAA Remote Pilot testing commonly occurs in March.
• Flight authorization, safety protocols, and equipment use follow FAA standards (LAANC approval and Remote ID integration).

Aviation Academy and Course Information

Year 1: A170

Year 2: A171

Aviation Academy Year 1 (Code: A170)

Aviation Academy Year 2 (Code: A171)

For the most up-to-date course information and descriptions, see the Academic Programs and Pathways resource.

Quick Links & Resources

• Credit & Credential Options Overview — Overview of AP, IB, CCP, CTAG, and other credit opportunities in Dublin City Schools
• FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) — Commercial UAS
• Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)
• Gleim Aviation — Test Prep & Resources
• WebXam — CTAG Exams Portal
• AOPA High School Aviation Curriculum
• YouScience — Career Discovery
• Ohio CTAG — Career-Technical Credit Transfer

Future Pathways

Emerald Campus → Education / Employment/ Enlistment/ Entrepreneurship

After High School or 2-Year College

• Earn private pilot or remote pilot certification (Part 107) and continue aviation coursework at a community or technical college.
• Begin work as an airport operations assistant, drone operator, or aviation maintenance apprentice.
• Apply CTAG credits toward aviation or aeronautics degrees through partner colleges.

After 4-Year College or University

• Pursue professional pilot training, aviation management, aerospace engineering, or meteorology.
• Explore careers with airlines, FAA, airport authorities, or aerospace firms.

Military Pathways

• Each service branch offers aviation and drone-related careers:
  • U.S. Air Force: Pilot • Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operator • Air Traffic Control
  • U.S. Army: Aviation Operations Specialist • UAS Operator • Helicopter Repairer
  • U.S. Navy/Marines: Naval Aviation Technician • Flight Crew • Aircraft Mechanic
• FAA and USI credentials strengthen eligibility for military aviation training programs.

Career & Professional Readiness

• Develop flight-related technical knowledge, safety awareness, and operational discipline.
• Document experiences and certifications in a professional portfolio or logbook.

Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth

• Apply aviation principles to drone-based services, flight instruction, or aerospace entrepreneurship.
• Gain leadership, communication, and precision—skills transferable to any career field.