Current offerings include the complimentary 60-minute Pilot Session for Grades 5–12; the Explorer Program for Grades 5–6; and the Navigator Program for Grades 7–8. Additional programs for Grades 9–12 are under development and will be introduced as they become available.

No. Paladin does not provide student flight instruction or operate aircraft during the school program. Students learn through age-appropriate classroom missions, crew briefings, aviation scenarios, calculations, discussion, and hands-on learning activities.

The standard Explorer and Navigator programs are delivered on campus once per week for six weeks, with each session designed to fit within approximately 60 minutes. Final dates, session times, and scheduling details are coordinated with each school.

In our core programs, each lesson connects a leadership principle with a flight mission. Students practice critical thinking, aeronautical decision-making, risk awareness, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and the disciplined habit of Think • Decide • Lead while applying grade-appropriate STEM concepts.

Lessons are designed to support relevant Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) practices where applicable, while incorporating FAA aeronautical decision-making concepts and age-appropriate aviation education connections. A lesson-level alignment summary can be provided for school review.

Paladin Aviation Academy is led by Captain Tom Harrison Jr., a retired airline captain with more than 15,000 flight hours and extensive aviation instructional experience. His qualifications include Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI), FAA Gold Seal Instructor, and FAA Ground Instructor credentials.

Paladin provides the professional instructor, structured curriculum, presentations, aviation mission materials, student worksheets, learning handouts, student logbooks, and program-specific completion materials. The school typically provides an appropriate classroom, tables and chairs, access to a screen or projector, scheduling and campus-access coordination, a student roster, and any on-site support required by school policy.

A class of approximately 15–20 students supports active crew participation, discussion, and instructor feedback. Larger groups can be considered, but may require an adjusted format, staffing plan, or additional session.

The program is classroom-based and does not include aircraft operation. Before launch, Paladin and the school confirm room setup, emergency procedures, visitor requirements, student supervision, and any site-specific safety or conduct rules. The school retains its normal campus authority and student-support procedures.

Paladin Aviation Academy is in the process of finalizing insurance coverage appropriate to school-based program delivery. Because insurance requirements can vary by school and district, Paladin coordinates with each organization to identify required coverage limits and documentation before program delivery.

Paladin works with each school or district to identify required instructor credentials, business documentation, insurance coverage, vendor requirements, and other approval materials during the contracting process. District- or school-specific requirements should be identified before scheduling is finalized so the appropriate documentation can be prepared and provided before program delivery.

Students demonstrate learning through mission decisions, crew communication, worksheets, briefings, reflection, and instructor observation. Student worksheets, assessments, and logbook entries help document participation and skill development. The program emphasizes growth and applied learning rather than traditional course grades. Students completing the applicable program receive recognition and completion materials.

Paladin provides schools with a customized pricing proposal based on the program selected, number of students, number of classes, scheduling requirements, and overall program scope. This allows each school to receive pricing that reflects its specific needs and implementation plan.

The next step is a short conversation to discuss your school’s grade level, number of students, preferred schedule, program goals, and purchasing requirements. Paladin can then recommend the appropriate program, prepare a customized proposal, and, if desired, schedule a complimentary Pilot Session so your school can experience the Paladin approach firsthand.