About Our Aviation Program
In support of the Minnetonka School Board goals, the District has engaged in a careful exploration of student interests, future workforce preparedness and potential post-secondary opportunities in the skilled trades. As part of this initiative, Minnetonka has noted that the demand for skilled aviation professionals is soaring. By 2036, the aviation industry will need 804,000 new pilots to meet the global demand. Minnetonka High School's Aviation Program, part of the MOMENTUM design and skilled trades program, is dedicated to preparing today’s students for the high-flying careers of tomorrow.Our program offers students a unique opportunity to explore and excel in various aviation careers, from piloting commercial airliners and drones to engaging in aerospace engineering.
Preparing for Aviation Careers
At Minnetonka High School, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this growing field. Our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training ensure that students are well-prepared to step into a variety of aviation roles, such as:
- Commercial Pilot: Flying for major airlines, transporting passengers and cargo across continents.
- Aerospace Engineer: Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.
- Drone Operator: Managing drone operations for aerial photography, surveying and delivery services.
- Air Traffic Controller: Coordinating the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.
- Aviation Maintenance Technician: Performing maintenance, repair, and alteration of aircraft.
- Military Aviation Careers: Serving in the armed forces, piloting or managing aircraft operations.
Cutting-Edge Technology & Innovative Experiences
At the heart of Minnetonka's Aviation Program are cutting edge tools and outstanding experiences. Our program features three state-of-the-art flight simulators that replicate real-world piloting experiences, enhancing both the learning and enjoyment of flying. We also offer comprehensive training in drone technology and operations, where students can gain practical experience and even earn their recreational drone pilot certificates.
Minnetonka High School collaborates with a wide range of aviation professionals and organizations to afford students unique, hands-on experiences. One example of these collaborative efforts is our Discovery Flights program. These introductory flight lessons, offered in collaboration with Aloft Aviation, allow students to experience the thrill of flying firsthand. During a Discovery Flight, students take to the skies under the guidance of a certified flight instructor, learning basic maneuvers and enjoying the unique perspective from the cockpit.
Vision for the Future
Our vision at Minnetonka High School is to be at the forefront of aviation education. With more than 125 students choosing to enroll in fall 2024, we are actively working to expand our program. As we look to the future, we plan to continue integrating cutting-edge technologies and methodologies into our ever-growing curriculum. These aviation courses will take place in the new VANTAGE/MOMENTUM Building, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance learning and provide real-world applications of aviation theory.
One example is "Flight Instruction Through Time: Navigating Aviation and World History,"a new course that combines aviation skills with core academic credits, preparing students not just for careers in aviation but for thoughtful engagement with the world at large.
