Academics
Aviation
Taking Education to the Skies
At IWHS, we are proud to offer the nation's first all-female high school aviation program, empowering young women to soar to new heights. Our comprehensive curriculum provides students with hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and the leadership skills necessary to pursue successful careers in aviation and aerospace. Through this pioneering program, we are breaking barriers and shaping the future of aviation by inspiring the next generation of female aviators.
Getting Started in Aviation
Our aviation program offers a progressive and immersive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in aviation. Starting with no prerequisites, students can begin their journey with the Introduction to Flight course, which lays the groundwork for understanding aircraft and the fundamentals of flight. As they advance, they delve deeper into the complexities of aviation through the Aircraft Systems & Performance course, which builds on their foundational knowledge and introduces them to the intricacies of aircraft systems and performance factors. Finally, students who demonstrate aptitude and interest can pursue the Pilot Pathway track, where they receive rigorous preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. This structured approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of aviation, with each course providing essential building blocks for their future success in the field.
List of 3 items.
-
Introduction to Flight
Credit: 0.5
Duration: One Semester
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
In the Introduction to Flight course, students pursuing the Pilot track will look closely at the aircraft they may one day operate. Students will begin with an exploration of the types of aircraft in use today before learning how aircraft are made and how they fly. Students will understand how aircraft are categorized, be able to identify their parts, and learn about aircraft construction techniques and materials. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—including how to make key calculations. They will then touch on aircraft design, looking at stability, aircraft controls, and maneuvering flight. The course will focus on career skills related to these topics. -
Aircraft Systems & Performance
Credit: 0.5
Duration: One Semester
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Flight
In the Aircraft Systems and Performance course, students in the Pilot track will take an in-depth look at the systems that make crewed and uncrewed aircraft work. Beginning with aircraft powerplants and fuel systems, students will learn about the options available and how they affect aircraft design and performance. They will explore other key aircraft systems, including electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. Throughout the course, they will learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers aircraft flight manuals and required aircraft documents. Finally, students will learn about the factors that affect aircraft performance and how to determine critical operating data for aircraft. -
Pilot Pathway (8474)
Credit: 1.0
Duration: Full Year
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
SEMESTER ONE: THE FLYING ENVIRONMENT
This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation and will prepare students to take either of two Federal Aviation Administration tests: the Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures.
SEMESTER TWO: PILOT PATHWAY – FLIGHT PLANNING
The Flight Planning course will cover the remaining topics necessary for students to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Students will learn about pilot and aircraft qualifications, cross-country flight planning, weight and balance, performance and limitations, human factors, chart use, night operations, navigation systems, and aeronautical decision-making. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. At the end of this course, a school may choose to arrange for students to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot written exam.
Did You Know
