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Ascending into the clouds as she learns from pro pilots gives Madison Fauntleroy goosebumps every time.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the BASA program has allowed me to have an in-depth education in aerospace and aeronautical science, which translates into my current and future pilot training,” said the 16-year-old from Palm Beach Gardens.
BASA stands for Boynton Aerospace Science Academy, which offers a specialized curriculum in aviation, aeronautical science, aviation maintenance, and unmanned aircraft systems. The Boynton Beach Community High School program is affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
BASA offers, among other itinerary, a mentorship program whereby airline pilots, aerospace engineers, mechanics, and other aviation professionals are paired with BASA students. This increases their exposure to aviation careers and allows them the opportunity to network at an early age.
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In January, over 30 aviation professionals, including airline pilots from American Airlines, Spirit, Republic and Altas, attended a flight event with BASA students at Lantana Airport. The Fly Day provided flights to about 20 students, with the opportunity to interact with the pilots as well as aerospace engineers and airframe/powerplant mechanics. PTC-Lantana, a local flight school, hosted this event.
“It’s an opportunity to step away from the traditional classroom experience and immerse themselves in a world full of opportunities,” BASA Director Maria Sklar said. “Students receive an education, opportunities, and backing from the largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy first place in the 2020 International Airport Design Challenge. The BASA team competed against 1,200 students from 21 countries, including Argentina, Germany, Sweden, India, Burkina Faso, and the United Kingdom.
The FAA Airport Design Challenge tasked students with designing their local airport on Minecraft, while presenting them with a series of challenges including environmental considerations, future use of airspace and aviation technology, and technical obstacles.
Students worked directly with the Boca Raton Airport, borrowing its schematic plans and speaking with airport managers, to better understand the airport’s technical complexities and its role in the community.
“They were extremely excited and couldn’t stop thinking about it or talking about it,” Sklar said. “It’s an impressive feat, considering the wide range of participants and the rigorous judging from FAA officials.”
Also impressive are the BASA alumni and graduating seniors. One of the first batch of students who became pilots are now CFIs (certified flight instructors) and well on their way to careers with the airlines. Current seniors Jonathan Hill and Ioan Constantin are already licensed private pilots.
The program also has the support of local and national aviation organizations, which provide mentorship opportunities and internships while the students complete their studies.
“Our classes are fun and dynamic, and the students are offered an insight into a wide range of aviation careers,” Sklar said. “Before graduation, our students get the opportunity to take classes from commercial pilots, fly airplanes, and learn to fly drones.”
Professor Mark Herzberg, an experienced pilot and certified flight instructor, teaches a course that prepares students to sit for the FAA written exam for their private pilot license, the first step toward an aviation career. He teaches them about airspace, aerodynamics, federal aviation regulations, and aeromedical factors. It’s a class the BASA students can’t get anywhere else.
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At Boynton Beach High, each student in BASA has the opportunity to earn dual credit, both for college and high school at the same time.
COVID-19 has certainly presented certain challenges for BASA. In-person activities have been curtailed, but Sklar made up for this by inviting guest speakers such as business owners and airport managers, who speak with students via Zoom.
“We’re elated to be part of this community,” Sklar said. “We’re preparing students for a new set of challenges by arming them with the skills, knowledge and experience they’ll need to succeed wherever they go.”
As for Madison Fauntleroy, she’s grateful for all she’s learned.
“What I like most about the BASA program is the opportunity it provides high school students, like myself, to be a dual enrollment student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,” Madison said. “I enjoy applying the knowledge I’ve acquired to the hands-on activities and projects during class.”
For more information, visit www.basaprogram.com.
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