The Morris Hills Aviation program operates with two goals: to set students on a path to take the 107 exam and receive their commercial drone license and/or to prepare them for the written Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam to help them get their private pilot license. The program may not offer actual planes; however, students are able to gain hands-on flight experience through MH’s realistic simulators.

“The aviation program allows for hands-on exploration in a wide range of areas, from engineering and piloting aircraft to operating drones,” Ms. Doltz, Intro to Aviation instructor, said. “This diverse curriculum gives students a well-rounded understanding of the industry and opens up unlimited doors for future career potential in this constantly growing field.”

There are three Aviation classes offered at Morris Hills. Students begin with “Intro to Aviation,” after which they have two options for progression. If they intend to stick with the program for all three years, they can continue onto “Drone and UAS Technology,” which is run by Ms. Sobieski.

After that, they could enter “Advanced Aviation” run by Mr. Konopinski for their third year. The other option is that students can skip “Drone and UAS Technology” and head straight into “Advanced Aviation” if they so choose. If a student is particularly passionate about Aviation, they also have the choice to continue in their fourth year as a GT. The program is also a “school choice program” – this means that students from out of district can join.

There are a multitude of reasons why a person should consider entering the Aviation program. One such reason is that it counts as a science credit, it fills the “3rd lab science” requirement. Aviation also opens the door to many different careers. Obviously, you have things like piloting. However, other careers such as air traffic control, aerospace engineering, flight dispatching, etc. are also supported by the study of aviation.

There are also fun trips that each aviation class goes on. For example, the drone class has gone to Warren County Community College. Other trips included Morristown Airport and FedEx Facilities at Newark Airport. A GT student last year even mentored the intro class and went out and flew to earn hours towards her private pilot license. This paired with the in-class hands-on experience are just some of the reasons why one should consider these programs.

Currently, there are two students who have been a part of the Aviation program for the longest. These students are Joshua Thomas and Jack Petry. Thomas has been in the program for four years. In his Drone and UAS Technology class, he is currently learning specific cinematic flying techniques in the hopes of making a promotional video for the high school.

Thomas said, “[The Aviation Program] has benefited me through the massive amount of knowledge I have gained from it. Since I want to become an airline pilot, all the skills and ideas I learn through the program will help me on my journey to becoming one.”

All in all, between its skillful guidance towards earning students their commercial drone and/or private pilot license, as well as the multitude of hands-on practices it provides, the Morris Hills Aviation program is something anyone with an interest in flying should consider joining. Be sure to add it to your schedule next year so you can join fellow students and advisors in taking to the skies!