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Aviation Academy

Aviation Academy

The Aeronautical Sciences Program will offer ALL PSD students an accelerated pathway to obtaining the foundational knowledge required for FAA certification. In partnership with the Museum of Flight's Aeronautical Science Pathway and with support from the Tacoma Narrows Airport, this program will provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Students will engage in classroom instruction, simulator training, and practical experiences through local flight schools. This program will prepare students for post-secondary aviation careers, and a unique opportunity for preparations for multiple aeronautical sciences certifications.

 

 

 

INITIAL PROGRAM DETAILS

In partnership with the Museum of Flight, the Peninsula School District would operate an ASP Program. Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) is a program for high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work within Aeronautical Sciences which could include drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or other aviation career pathways. Offered at no cost to you!

Grade Level: High school juniors and seniors

Fee: NO COST

Start Date: Fall 2025-2026 School Year

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Introducing Our Aviation Academy Instructor: Commander JP Williamson

JP Williamson is the new instructor for the Peninsula School District’s Aviation Academy. Commander Williamson recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years of distinguished service and brings a heart for teaching and a wealth of aviation experience. He logged over 2,800 flight hours, primarily in the MH-60R Seahawk—the Navy’s version of the Blackhawk. A graduate of the Naval Strike Air Warfare Center (home of TOP GUN), he served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and earned every key flight qualification in Navy helicopters. He also served as Training Department Head at the Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School, overseeing deployment training for all nine West Coast squadrons, including those in Japan and Hawaii. We are honored to have his leadership guiding our future aviators. “To most, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.” Get ready to fly.

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Become a Mentor

Our Student Mentor Program is looking for passionate aviation professionals and enthusiasts to support high school students as they embark on their aviation journey. By becoming a mentor, you’ll play a critical role in empowering future pilots, aerospace engineers, and aviation professionals.

Click Here to Join!
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Be a Guest Speaker

Are you an aviation professional, pilot, engineer, air traffic controller, or aerospace expert? Your story can ignite a passion for aviation in students and help them explore exciting career paths! We are seeking guest speakers to share their expertise and insights with high school students in our Aviation Program.

Click Here to Join!
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Join our Aviation Advisory!

Share your expertise and help shape the next generation of aviation professionals by becoming an advisor for the Aviation Academy at Henderson Bay. As an advisor, you’ll guide students through real-world industry experiences, provide valuable mentorship, and help align the program with current aviation standards. Your insights can inspire students to pursue high-demand careers in aerospace, piloting, and aviation management. Join us in preparing future leaders for the skies and beyond!

Click HERE to Join!
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Host a Field Trip

Nothing sparks excitement for aviation like seeing it in action! We are looking for aviation professionals, businesses, and organizations to host career exploration field trips that allow students to experience the industry firsthand.

Click Here to Join!
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Aviation Academy is designed to prepare students for careers in the aviation industry, from piloting planes to maintaining aircraft, and everything in between.  The program’s courses allow juniors and seniors the flexibility to take classes at a traditional high school or running start to complete their schedule.

  • We share a space with Henderson Bay High School.  This flexible model allows students to enroll in a combination of classes, including Running Start, traditional high school, and/or the Aviation Academy.  

  • Our curriculum consists of 12 classes over two years, as well as time in our flight-simulation lab, which includes multiple flight simulators and a simulated control tower.


    Year 1
    Private Pilot Ground School
    Aviation Weather 
    Aircraft Systems
    Aviation History & Careers
    Aviation Law
    Uncrewed Aerial Systems / Drone Operations

    Year 2
    Aviation Human Factors & Safety
    Aerodynamics
    Air Traffic Control
    Airport Planning & Management
    Airline Operations & Management
    Airline Dispatch & Operations
     

  • The program is open to any 11th and 12th grade students interested in exploring careers in aviation.  It includes everything from drone certification to private pilot ground school preparation to learning about airport management.  This current year, 2024-2025, admission is by lottery.

  • No, the Aviation Academy is open to all students within the Peninsula School District who attend any of our comprehensive high schools—Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor High School, or Henderson Bay High School. While the program's home location is in the lower level of Henderson Bay High School, it is not exclusive to students from that school.

    The Academy provides hands-on, immersive learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Students will spend a significant portion of their time engaged in lab-based activities at the Vintage Airplane Museum at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, participating in field trips to the Museum of Flight, and more. These experiences are designed to create a dynamic and comprehensive aviation education for all enrolled students, regardless of their primary high school.

  • Students interested in enrolling in the Aviation Academy must participate in a lottery process. The lottery application window typically opens in the spring for the following academic year. Specific dates and detailed information about the application process are provided on the Peninsula School District's official website. For the most current details on enrollment procedures and timelines, please visit the program’s enrollment page.

  • The Aviation Academy is open to all students residing within the Peninsula School District and attending any of our comprehensive high schools: Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor High School, or Henderson Bay High School. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in Peninsula School District schools, either as full-time or part-time students. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and encourages those with diverse academic or extracurricular interests to apply. Participants will maintain part-time enrollment at their primary high school while attending the Aviation Academy for three sections.

  • Transportation needs will be assessed during the registration process. Families can indicate if they require district-provided transportation, and the academy will work to accommodate these needs wherever possible.

  • This depends on scheduling and the student’s total full time enrollment. Students interested in combining these opportunities should work with their school counselor and the academy registrar to determine if it’s feasible within their schedule.

  • We are working on developing additional offerings for younger students, and will have more information about that in the next school year.

  • We’d love your support!  Click on this one pager to learn more about how you can be involved: hosting field trips, guest speaking, donating physical materials, participating as advisors, and/or mentoring students.