The Home Page Network

Today on Wellsboro Home Page, Superintendent Dr. Brenda Freeman, Principal Emily Ostrom-Graham, Aviation Teacher Tiffany Getty, Director of Curriculum Michael Pietropola, and Seniors Aidan Perry and Bergen Weiner join Home Page Correspondent Regan Regina to talk about the new aviation curriculum being offered at Wellsboro Area High School.

As you can see when watching today’s feature, it’s hard to keep the plane on the runway in heavy crosswinds. But, before they finish this course these students will be able to safely fly the plane.

This new curriculum being offered at Wellsboro Area High School includes two licensed pilots on staff. It’s a tremendous opportunity for students considering careers in the aviation field.

The funding for this program came from AOPA which covered the curriculum side of things. This coupled with a grant from American Airlines for $25,000 to cover the equipment cost for flight simulators got the program off the ground.

There are 16 area students taking classes in this first year of operation. One of those students comes in from Mansfield to take the classes. Principal Emily Ostrom-Graham said that they expect 100% retention next year for non-graduating students. This brings the total enrolment for next year to 54 students.

During the second half of today’s broadcast, Aviation Teacher Tiffany Getty, and Director of Curriculum Michael Pietropola share their thoughts regarding this exciting new opportunity for students. And, we get to visit the LAB and see the wind tunnel that students have made.

Congratulations to Wellsboro Area High School, their administrative staff, Grand Canyon Airport, and American Airlines for giving area students this outstanding opportunity in aviation. Also congratulations to Home Page Correspondent Regan Regina for professionally navigating her first broadcast here on The Home Page Network. We look forward to many more.