Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Aviation Academy
_1761671389.png)
-
Enrollment Information
The lottery opens February 23rd! For more information on the enrollment process for the Aviation Academy, click here!
Loading document viewer...
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 also 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, or traditional high school, and the Aviation Academy. Because of the program design, we are often able to accomodate students from homeschool or other districts as well as those within the Peninsula School District. Contact us for more information about your specific situation at cte@psd401.net.
-
Our curriculum consists of 12 classes over two years, as well as time in our flight-simulation lab, multiple field trip locations, and a myriad of gues speakers.
Year 1
Aircraft Systems
Aviation Weather
Private Pilot Ground School
Aviation Law
Aviation History & Careers
Uncrewed Aerial Systems / Drone OperationsYear 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 a career in aviation. It includes everything from drone certification to private pilot ground school preparation to learning about airport management.
-
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 at field trip locations, engaging in flight simulator and lab-based activities. 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. Our lottery opens for one week, mirroring registration in the Peninsula School District. Please note, in addition to the lottery, students must also register on SchooLinks and PowerSchool, just like they do for their other classes.
After the lottery, our waitlist remains open through the spring. Specific dates and detailed information about the process are provided on the program’s enrollment page.
-
In district transportation needs will be assessed during the lottery and registration process. Families can indicate if they require district-provided transportation, and the academy will work to accommodate these needs wherever possible.
-
Yes. The number of classes you can take 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 team to determine if it’s feasible within their schedule. Contact us at cte@psd401.net if you have any questions.
-
Starting in 8th grade, students can add the Aviation Academy to their Course Planner in SchooLinks. In 9th and 10th grade, we encourage students to maximize every opportunity to meet their graduation requirements.
-
We’d love your support! Email us at cte@psd401.net
Program Updates:
Aviation Academy Newsletter – January 2026 Highlights
The Aviation Academy kicked off 2026 with hands-on learning and real-world aviation experiences. Students continued their Private Pilot Ground School, developing complete flight plans and flying them in the simulator lab while strengthening skills in navigation, air traffic control communication, and aircraft performance calculations.
This month also spotlighted the incredible professionals supporting our students. Academy mentors Mike Gofman (Alaska Airlines First Officer) and Jeff Cotton (retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current 787 Simulator Instructor Captain) brought decades of airline and military aviation experience into the classroom, offering students invaluable insight into aviation careers.
Students also heard from inspiring guest speakers, including Christine Gregorich from the FAA, who shared how data, engineering, and systems oversight keep aviation safe, and Capt. Jason Sherman, U.S. Navy, who highlighted leadership and service pathways through naval aviation.
Looking ahead, students will participate in industry briefings, field trips with aviation partners, FAA medical briefings, and an upcoming visit to the Museum of Flight as enrollment opens for next year.
Aviation Academy Newsletter – December 2025 Highlights
December was an energizing and impactful month for the Aviation Academy, filled with hands-on learning, industry engagement, and real-world aviation experiences. Students wrapped up 2025 with growing confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of aviation pathways.
In the classroom, students completed the Aviation Weather course, strengthening their skills in understanding weather systems and interpreting METAR reports. They also had the unique opportunity to teach Henderson Bay staff how to fly using the simulators—highlighting both student leadership and the technical demands of aviation.
Throughout the fall, students learned directly from an impressive lineup of guest speakers from the FAA, commercial airlines, military aviation, and aviation instruction, bringing real-world expertise into daily learning.
December also marked the start of college credit sign-ups with Green River College. Each Aviation Academy course is articulated for 5 college credits, allowing students to earn up to 30 credits in a single year.
Students participated in unforgettable industry field trips, including behind-the-scenes access at the Museum of Flight with an Aircraft Systems tour of a Boeing 787, and a visit to Alaska Airlines Maintenance & Engineering, where they explored careers in aircraft maintenance, engineering, and aviation operations firsthand.
As the year closed, we celebrated an incredible first semester and looked ahead with excitement to continued partnerships, learning opportunities, and student achievements in 2026.
Aviation Academy Newsletter – November 2025 Highlights
October was full of progress and hands-on learning at the Aviation Academy! Students explored Aircraft Systems and Aviation Weather, practiced takeoffs and landings in simulators, and connected classroom learning directly to flight.
The month wrapped up with Rainier Flight Service Family Night—aircraft tours, flight instructor meet-and-greets, and real-world insight from Alaska pilot Oliver Gordon Alvord. Students also visited the Vintage Aero Museum, hearing from a panel of professionals whose careers span the Air Force, Boeing, and commercial airlines.
Every experience brings our students closer to their dreams of flight.