By: Jude Mautz
Our aviation program has provided our students of all grades with opportunities since its start, and it teaches them about the four potential paths they could take, being air traffic control, professional piloting, business, and maintenance. The required courses include the introductory class, a ground school for aspiring private pilots, and an instrument ground school. With more than 130 students in the program this year, Greenberger is trying to fund a “Simulator Lab” to allow students to learn better how to fly. We also now have more kids flying with Cherry Ridge and other nearby airports, having jobs at small airports, and industry connections (like pilots, air traffic controllers, and management people) than ever, allowing the program to reach new heights. For example, more than 50 students will be going to Stuart Airport on October 21, a number of students which would never have been possible in previous years. The aviation industry also has an exceptionally good job market, with a median salary of $220,000 for pilots, countless openings, and some airlines starting their new pilots at $150 per hour, with a minimum of 4.5 hours paid per day, even if they only flew 2, along with better benefits than almost any other job today will provide.
