Wapak High School & Neil Armstrong Airport Partnering to Offer Fall 2023 Aviation Program

Inspired by an article he stumbled upon regarding a youth aviation program, Wapakoneta City Schools Superintendent Aaron Rex began work on something similar he could help put together for Wapakoneta students. With a goal of exposing students to the excitement of flight and the variety of career fields associated with flying, a partnership was soon formed between Wapakoneta City Schools and the Neil Armstrong Airport.

“This [program] will expose our young people to a variety of careers, such as commercial, private, or military pilot; aircraft mechanic; air traffic controller; and all of the other support positions that make airlines and the airports function,” said Rex.

Neil Armstrong Airport Manager Ted Bergstrom, Superintendent Rex, Wapakoneta High School Principal Scott Minning, and Wapakoneta High School Career Counselor Laura Mears are coordinating the program and will work on developing additional program details this spring and summer. Rex said they will 'test the waters' the first semester and assess results before further planning.

The program's preliminary plans include field trips to Neil Armstrong Airport and Sinclair College in Dayton. Students accepted into the program can expect to attend monthly courses featuring skilled professionals.

Rex also noted the possibility of a course on flying and repairing drones.

The aviation industry, like many industries in the U.S., is always in need of specialized skilled labor. Wapakoneta High School is taking the first steps to not only help meet that demand, but to provide students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their professional future. Applications for Wapakoneta High School students will open in late February 2023. There will be a limited number of spots available.