Not at all. Aviation provides an exciting environment for developing leadership, STEM knowledge, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that apply far beyond aviation.

No. Students do not need to already be interested in aviation. Aviation provides an engaging setting for exploring STEM, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and real-world challenges—and many students may discover new interests along the way.

Yes. All activities are classroom-based, age-appropriate, professionally supervised, and conducted in partnership with participating schools.

Depending on the program, students may receive:

• Student worksheets
• Educational handouts
• Paladin Student Logbook
• Certificate of Completion

Paladin Aviation Academy is an aviation-based STEM and leadership enrichment program that uses real-world aviation concepts, hands-on activities, missions, and decision-making challenges to help students develop STEM knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, confidence, and leadership skills.

No. Paladin Aviation Academy is not a flight training program and does not provide flight instruction. Our programs provide aviation-based STEM education through classroom learning, hands-on activities, missions, and real-world aviation scenarios.

Paladin Aviation Academy currently offers the Explorer Program for Grades 5–6 and the Navigator Program for Grades 7–8. Additional age-appropriate programs for Grades 9–12 are in development. The complimentary Pilot Session may be offered for Grades 5–12.

Our core Explorer and Navigator programs are six weeks, with one 60-minute session each week. Paladin also offers a complimentary introductory Pilot Session and flexible custom programming. Additional program formats may be offered based on school needs.

Students participate in interactive aviation STEM lessons, hands-on activities, team missions, decision-making challenges, and guided discussions. Activities vary by program and grade level.

Students receive age-appropriate introductions to real aviation concepts such as aeronautical decision-making, weather, aircraft systems, flight controls, performance, flight planning, and the STEM principles behind flight. Through hands-on activities and aviation missions, they learn how pilots use science, technology, engineering, math, teamwork, communication, and sound judgment to solve real-world problems. Paladin introduces students to part of the much larger world of aviation, with the goal of building knowledge while inspiring curiosity to learn more.

Paladin Aviation Academy programs are led by retired airline captain and FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor Tom Harrison Jr., bringing decades of professional aviation and instructional experience into an age-appropriate educational setting.

Yes. Paladin Aviation Academy programs are designed to align with recognized educational frameworks, including NGSS, Common Core, and CSTA standards, while reinforcing teamwork, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and real-world problem-solving.

Students practice communication, teamwork, critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving through engaging aviation-based STEM experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications and encourage growing confidence and responsibility.

Yes. Paladin Aviation Academy is exploring opportunities for participating schools to host after-school programs where the school provides classroom space and families purchase individual student enrollment directly through Paladin. Parents interested in this option are encouraged to ask their school, PTA/PTO, or enrichment coordinator about the possibility of hosting a Paladin program and to contact Paladin Aviation Academy for additional information.

Contact Paladin Aviation Academy or your child’s school to ask about current or upcoming program availability. Because programs are offered in partnership with participating schools, availability may vary by school, location, and schedule.