Aviation Careers Institute
The aviation industry is facing an unprecedented shortage of pilots, with an estimated 600,000 new pilots needed over the next 20 years. This great demand makes aviation a highly sought-after industry with great growth potential.
Eaton RESA, in partnership with the Capital Region International Airport, offers high school juniors and seniors in all school districts and academies in Eaton, Ingham, and Clinton counties the unique opportunity to learn about careers in aviation, take part in classroom lessons, and utilize flight simulators to learn the basics of flight, plane management and ground school. In addition, as school districts are not permitted to provide air flight instruction, students will be connected to flight school partners if they choose to begin flying lessons and work toward earning a pilot’s license. A specialized loan program partnership with MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has been developed for students in this program to assist with costs associated with flight lessons.
Similar to all certified Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, students will attend a two-hour block of classroom time in the morning or afternoon as part of their full school day.
Classroom instruction, simulator seat time and all necessary classroom materials for the program will be included as part of the Eaton RESA Aviation Careers Institute (ACI) program. If a student chooses to pursue a pilot’s license, and the flight lessons required to earn it, all flight time and associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
Course Information
Classes and Training
Students will take part in classroom leasson and utilize flight simulators to learn the basics of flight, plane management and ground school.
Majority of students will complete the program in one year. A second year option is able for students interested in exploring more in-depth aviation topics.
In addition to classroom instruction, the course gives students the opportunity to:
- Meet with experts in aeronautics and take field trips
- Learn about aircraft controls and maintenance
- Experience an aviation flight simulator
- Earn articulated college credit
- Participate in flying lessons outside of class time (additional fees to Flight School may apply).
Flight time is not covered as part of the Eaton RESA program. No school districts are permitted to provide air flight instruction. If a student chooses to begin flying lessons and work towards earning a piolt's licence, they are responible for all costs associated with air flight instruction and flight time.
Eaton RESA has partnered with Crosswinds Aviation to provide flight time and lessons for students who are working towards a Pilot's Licences. Crosswinds currently has Flight Schools available in Lansing, Howell, Flint, Waterford and Ypsilanti. For more information please visit Crosswind Aviations website!
Registration Information and Timeline
Students can start registering for the program beginning December 18th, 2024. Students will be notified of program enrollment in early spring. If there are more students interested than seats available, students will be notified as such. Students may be added to a waiting list depending on demand.
For more information, please email Samantha Lind.
Class Location and Transportation
ACI classes will be held at the Capital Region International Airport. Parking is free. Transportation is provided for Eaton RESA students. Students participating outside of Eaton RESA should contact their school to determine transportation arrangements.
Becoming a Licensed Pilot
The ACI is designed to give students a firsthand look at the aviation industry, explore career opportunities and begin education and training to become a pilot or other aviation industry professional.
School districts are not permitted to provide air flight instruction. Students will be connected to flight school partners if they choose to begin flying lessons and work toward earning a pilot’s license. Students are responsible for all costs associated with air flight instruction and flight time.
To become a licensed commercial pilot, individuals move through various levels and certifications earning flight time and ratings.
Program Funding and Loan Opportunities
All classroom costs, necessary classroom materials, and flight simulator training will be provided to students at no cost to students or families as part of the Eaton RESA ACI program.
To fly a plane, students must accumulate a certain number of flight hours. Flight time is not a covered cost. To help students continue to pursue their dreams of becoming a pilot, MSUFCU has partnered with the ACI to offer students in the program opportunities to secure low-cost student loans. Through the Student Success Loan option, students can apply for student loans as they progress through different phases of their flight school training. Students who are interested in loan options will be connected with MSUFCU for more information.