Overview
Leveraging curriculum developed by TangoFlight, DART has developed a scalable model to bring hands-on aerospace training to high schools. Answering the anticipated need for over 130,000 new airplane maintenance technicians in the coming decade, students are given the opportunity to assemble a fully-operational Van’s RV-12 airplane over the course of a two-year class. The hands-on experience is supplemented with foundational academics in aircraft maintenance, aviation safety, aeronautical engineering, and flight systems. Students will gain valuable, in-demand skills, preparing them for high-wage careers in the expanding aviation and aerospace sectors.
At school district discretion, DART manages instructor employment and works to connect school districts with local airports or other venues for aircraft assembly. This operational model allows schools to rapidly integrate the course into their catalog and at a relatively low cost due to the Van’s RV-12 aircraft being returned to TangoFlight upon complete assembly.
TangoFlight’s curriculum has been proven at various schools throughout the country. DART has partnered with Pajaro Valley Unified School District to deliver the course on a rapid timeline, from concept development in early 2025 to curriculum launch the following August at Pajaro Valley High School.
Status
DART is actively seeking partners to support this program at new locations. We invite educational institutions looking to involve their students in hands-on aerospace education to reach out to info@mbdart.org to learn more.