Kids who have previously participated in SPI flight camps will continue their engagement with us on aviation themes through a test program we're calling "SPI-lot Training." The idea is that a small cohort of 4-6 kids will learn additional themed content and get trained on our flight simulator, which will certify them to be able to utilize the simulator on their own during regular SPI hours.
Students will get “credit” for their classroom time and for their flight simulator time, logged in an official Young Eagles log book. More importantly, with sign off from our instructors, they will be “cleared for takeoff." Meaning they will be allowed to book time slots to get on the simulator independently during SPI hours.
As a starting framework with this first cohort, we planned a March 2025 program which includes the following components:
1. 1.5 hours for a group orientation on Saturday March 15
2. 45 minutes of one-on-one flight simulator training with a local pilot to practice a specified list of skills (on 3/15 or 3/16)
3. 1 or 2 45 minute sessions of one-on-one flight simulator training during spring break as arranged and scheduled (this can also occur during an alternate week if your family is out of town over spring break).
4. More one on one instruction on an as needed basis - and as scheduled - for any kids who were not able to master the necessary skills to gets cleared for takeoff/independent use of simulator during prior sessions.
Our instructor on 3/15 and 3/16 is a pilot and certified teacher at a local school. A second instructor over spring break is also a local pilot. SPI staff will be present during these scheduled sessions and our simulator is located inside SPI Spot in plain sight.
This is a program for kids who like to go a little more in-depth on flight content and may be more engineering-minded. Kids who like to understand how things work and/or how things are built are good candidates for the program.
At this time, it is ONLY open to kids who participated in SPI's Flight Crew camps in past summers, are CURRENTLY in MIDDLE SCHOOL, and who have previously confirmed with our staff of their child's intent to participate.
The code to register your child is they have been invited is: SPIlotTrainee
POLICIES OF NOTE:
A drop off program like this requires us to collect permission and waivers from a parent or legal guardian. DO NOT register on behalf of extended family, friends, or other children for whom you are not a legal guardian.
There will be no refunds on registration unless SPI cancels a session, even in the event of illness or family emergency.
03/15/2025, 03/22/2025, 03/29/2025, 04/05/2025, 04/12/2025, 04/19/2025
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 6
Registration starts on 03/10/2025 and ends on 04/21/2025.
Please contact SPI if you have any questions.