Sunday, December 12, 1999

Academy lets students learn to soar

---

Aviation courses offered

BY DIONNE BRADDIX
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        LEBANON — Taking education to new heights is the goal of the newly opened Aerospace Academy in Warren County.

        Created by the Warren County Airport and the Warren County Career Center, the academy offers high school students training for a range of aviation careers.

        Among its offerings are preparation for careers in aircraft maintenance, aviation support and management, commercial piloting, commercial flight instruction, and as flight mechanics.

        The academy uses Federal Aviation Administration study manuals, along with guest speakers and job shadowing.

        The academy is one of a handful in the nation for high school students with lessons at an airport. Though the academy doesn't give actual flying lessons right now, the owners hope to in the future.

        “We hope to expand the opportunities for students to explore aviation,” said Terry West, academy instructor. “What we do is focus on career paths.”

        “You don't just sit in class all day. You're out here; you're doing it,” said Kings High School senior Josh Loman, 18. “It's a little knowledge before you go to college.”

        The idea for the academy came from the airport owners. Brian Carr, airport manager, said the aviation industry is suffering from a shortage of qualified employees.

        Right now, the school is looking into making sure that the credit that students receives in this program transfers, and is also counted at the college level. Many students could receive up to 20 hours worth of college credit for the courses they take in high school in this program, Mr. Ross said.

        Students could also go on to do some of the jobs with certification of this program, provided that they pass all of the required tests.

        There are 12 students, but the school is expecting 60 to 120 students next year.

        Administrators look for the “higher-level student,” with good math and science grades, recommendations from counselors and the time and credit in their schedules to accommodate such an elective.

        Students participating in the program said they have found the classes to be very beneficial to their other school work.

        “These classes help me,” said Christopher Turner, 18, senior at Lebanon High School. “There's a lot of science and math involved. It's a lot more in-depth than I thought it would be.”

        Instructors at the school have been impressed with the attentiveness and dedi cation of the students, and share in their excitement.

        “They've been very responsive and interested,” said Henry Lensch, Warren County airport mechanic. “They ask good questions. These kids are really fortunate to have something like this. It gives them a step up from others.”

        Expansion of the school and the rest of the airport are in the works for next year. The school will move from its current renovated farmhouse to a new building. The current home of the academy includes a media center and revolving art gallery, showcasing pieces of art done by local and national artists.

        Mr. Carr said the academy is hoping to host summer flight camps this year. An open house is planned Jan. 27.

       

---

Mom crusades against sickos on the Internet
Could Tristate lose more hospitals?
Neighbors fighting neighbors in sliced-up Lemon Township
Annexations of Lemon Township
Reform ideas find support
Republican leadership hit by a little revolution
Lawsuit: Burial plots reused
Parents to get report cards for schools
Victim had filed charge against husband
Now that was a blue Christmas
Has our legal system gone from verse to worse?
May Festival to stage two giant choral works
The 2000 May Festival season schedule
Holiday lights bring little joy to unhandy man
GET TO IT
Make life easier with these gifts
One arts group hogs Pig profits
Pops, local talent delight in spirited holiday show
'Prince' delights in dance
Six-CD set pays homage to guitar great Django
Teen wants to carry Braille keyboard
Tight state budget may limit N.Ky. projects
Tree buyers find bumper crop
Stein's boast brings backlash
Local grad gets noticed in N.Y.
Campbell County due for a tax hike
Academy lets students learn to soar
Beating-death suspect caught
Cleveland tells homeless to keep off sidewalk
Constitution key in debate over abortion, finance bills
Jail not responsible for suicide
Tree a memorial to Ross students, teacher
TRISTATE DIGEST
Water tower plan angers residents