Students take flight in Sisters

In its third year, the flight science program at Sisters High School has the highest number of students enrolled to date, with a total of 26.

As the only program of its kind in Oregon, the Sisters Flight Science Program incorporates a unique cooperation between the Sisters School District, private pilots at the Sisters Eagle Airport, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Sporty's Aviation to promote and provide the opportunity for students to learn and experience the thrill of aviation.

One of the first activities the students participate in as a class is a Young Eagles flight. Within the Young Eagles program, which is sponsored by EAA, private pilot members take students for an introductory flight using their own personal aircraft. There were five pilots participating this year: Benny Benson flying the Outlaw Aviation Cessna 172; Brian Lansburgh flying his Cessna 140; Jim Hamilton in his Flight Design CT; Jon Renner with his Beech Musketeer; and SHS senior Cammi Benson in her Cessna 182.

This was Cammi Benson's first time participating in the Young Eagles program as a pilot; only three years ago she was a student in the Flight Science class.

Once the Young Eagle flights are completed, the students are given free access to an online private pilot ground school through Sporty's Aviation. The class at SHS uses this as one component to the curriculum. The class also incorporates guest speakers, field trips, and other instructional materials to give the students a broad picture of opportunities available through aviation.

For students interested in learning to fly, there are scholarship opportunities to earn their private pilot certificate while still in high school.