DeKalb Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) recently led some fledgling aviators in the STEM Scholars youth leadership program on their way to earning their wings.

Hultgren and the students took part in the Kishwaukee Educational Consortium High School Aviation Program at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, which teaches students about aviation and aeronautical careers.

“Kishwaukee Educational Consortium’s aviation program is a model for getting high school students excited and engaged in the aviation careers,” Hultgren said. “From learning about aeronautics and the power of flight to new technologies in aviation and tackling flight simulators, the students’ eyes were opened to the world of flight.”

The program is a cooperative effort between Kishwaukee College and local school districts. It allows students to learn – through classroom and simulator sessions – about aerodynamics, FAA regulations, primary and GPS navigation, air traffic control and equipment like flight computers and radios. The goal is to prepare students for the FAA private pilot written exam and teach them about potential careers related to aviation.

“Several students that have graduated from this program have gone on to the Air Force Academy or have become commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics, airport managers or flight instructors,” Hultgren said. “I hope to see 14th District high school students pursue the many opportunities in aviation.”