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Where curiosity takes flight.

Airport tours, flight simulators and real aircraft for students — and safety training for the pilots who share the sky with them.

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KCRQ: McClellan-Palomar Airport
KSEE: Gillespie Field Airport

Sponsors & partners

A nonprofit dedicated to aviation education.

STEM Aviation Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation. We introduce young people to general aviation and careers in flight operations, while helping pilots build a stronger culture of safety.

01
For students ages 5–18
Positive aviation experiences
Airport tours, simulator sessions and flightline visits that bring young people into general aviation.
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- Age-tailored airport tours of about 90 minutes for ages 5–12
- Desktop flight simulators for younger students
- Guided half-day tours of KCRQ or KSEE for high schoolers
Student programs
02
For high school juniors and seniors
Careers in Flight Operations
Inspiring America’s youth to pursue careers in Flight Operations.
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- Full-motion flight simulator sessions
- Familiarization flights for qualifying juniors and seniors
- Not every student receives a flight — eligibility applies
High school program
03
For pilots and qualified students
A culture of safety
Promoting a culture of aviation safety within the pilot community through safety training.
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- Flight simulator and Angle of Attack (AOA) training
- In-person or virtual aviation safety seminars
- May satisfy parts of the FAA WINGS program
Safety training

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Aviation programs

Most schools don’t have an aviation program. We bring students to the airport.

Careers

Aviation is a growing industry that includes commercial airlines, cargo carriers, private jets, military, and general aviation. It connects people and goods worldwide, driving economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. Most schools lack aviation programs, leaving students unaware of career opportunities in this arena.

STEM in practice

Early exposure to aviation can inspire students to pursue these fields. Aviation education also integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) concepts, making them more practical and exciting.

Access

By targeting middle and high school students from underrepresented communities, STEM Aviation Academy works to promote diversity and inclusion. We aim to break down barriers and create opportunities for students from all backgrounds to explore exciting aviation careers.

Pilots needed over 20 years: 649,000
Technicians needed over 20 years: 690,000
Cabin crew needed over 20 years: 983,000

“The global commercial aviation fleet will need 649,000 pilots, 690,000 technicians, and 983,000 cabin crew members over the next 20 years.”

Industry forecast published in Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023–2042, The Boeing Company — a 2023 projection, not an Academy figure. By exposing the youth of today to the excitement and fun of learning to fly, STEM Aviation Academy is addressing this crisis head-on by filling the gaps in the aviation industry through education and safety training.