DISCOVER WHERE
AVIATION CAN TAKE YOU.
Introducing Lehigh Valley high school students to the world of aviation through career exploration, hands-on experiences, airport visits and real Discovery Flights.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS — take a discovery flight here in Allentown where you actually get to take control of the airplane and fly it!
MORE THAN A DISCOVERY FLIGHT.
Lehigh Valley Aviation Discovery Program is a community initiative of AviationStart.org created to introduce local high school students to the many career opportunities available throughout aviation.
Many young people make decisions about college, technical education and careers without ever being exposed to aviation. We’re working to change that.
Through partnerships with local high schools, aviation businesses, employers, community organizations and sponsors, students can meet aviation professionals, explore career opportunities, visit the airport and experience aviation first-hand.
For students interested in becoming pilots, selected participants can take a real Discovery Flight with a certified flight instructor—and actually take the controls of the airplane. But becoming a pilot is only one possibility.
Students are also introduced to aviation maintenance, engineering, drones, air traffic control, flight attendant, airport operations, aviation management, airline and airport careers, and many more possibilities.
DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES.
DISCOVER AVIATION.
DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE.
POWERED BY OPPORTUNITY.
BACKED BY AVIATIONSTART.
Lehigh Valley Aviation Discovery Program is a community initiative of AviationStart.org.
AviationStart helps young people discover pathways into aviation careers by connecting students with career information, scholarships, education, training opportunities and the organizations that can help them take the next step.
The Aviation Discovery Program takes that mission directly into local communities—connecting students, schools, aviation organizations and businesses to create real-world aviation experiences.
Visit AviationStart.org
Aviation is bigger than the cockpit. There’s a place for every kind of curious mind.
This program is for future…
Pilots
Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Engineers
Drone / UAS Operators
Flight Attendants
Air Traffic Controllers
Airport Operations Professionals
Aviation Business Professionals
And More
“You don’t have to know what aviation career you want. That’s what discovery is all about.”
More than a field trip. A first look at your future.
Get up close with the aircraft, the people, and the possibilities that make aviation such an extraordinary place to start.
Start your journeyThe discovery experience
A clear path from your first introduction to the moment you see the Lehigh Valley from above.
Discover
Attend an aviation career presentation at your school and explore the many paths available.
Apply
Interested students in grades 10–12 apply for the program.
Visit the airport
Selected students visit Lehigh Valley International Airport and Ace Pilot Training.
Meet aviation professionals
Talk with pilots, flight instructors, aviation mechanics and other professionals.
Experience the aircraft
Learn how an aircraft works, join a preflight inspection and sit in the cockpit.
Take your Discovery Flight
Fly with a certified flight instructor. You get to take the controls and actually fly the airplane.
Discover what comes next
Explore flight training, aviation maintenance, scholarships and education opportunities.
Ready to take the next step? AviationStart.org can help you explore training opportunities and search $20+ million in aviation scholarships—for free.
Why become
a pilot?
Aviation offers numerous high-paying career opportunities. Many professional pilot careers can eventually pay well into six figures, though earnings depend on experience, employer and role.
Students can begin flight training in high school, and a four-year college degree is not required for many professional pilot career paths.
From airlines and corporate aviation to charter, cargo, government, military and flight instruction, there are many ways to build a lifelong career.
AVIATION NEEDS
MORE THAN PILOTS.
Every aircraft requires highly trained technicians to inspect, maintain and repair it. FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technicians (A&P mechanics) are essential throughout the industry.
Careers exist with airlines, flight schools, corporate aviation, manufacturers, repair facilities, government, military and airports.
And that’s only the beginning: engineering, drones, airport operations, dispatch, air traffic control and aviation management all help keep aviation moving.
Find your share of $20+ million in aviation scholarships.
Discovering an aviation career is just the beginning. AviationStart.org offers a FREE Aviation Scholarship Finder that helps students find scholarships that match their individual background, goals and aviation career interests. With more than $20+ million in aviation scholarships available, opportunities exist for aspiring pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, engineers, drone/UAS professionals and students pursuing many other aviation careers.
There is no cost to use the Scholarship Finder.
Find My Aviation ScholarshipsAN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE FOR JUST $49
The actual cost of providing a Discovery Flight is considerably higher. Thanks to local businesses and community sponsors, participating students pay only $49.
Sponsorship helps cover aircraft operating costs, fuel, flight instructor time and program expenses. This small contribution helps make sure opportunities go to students genuinely interested in participating.
Apply NowRight here in the
Lehigh Valley.
ACE PILOT TRAINING
Discovery Flights and local flight-training experiences are provided by Ace Pilot Training at Lehigh Valley International Airport. An FAA certified flight instruction school for both Part 61 and Part 141 programs.
LEHIGH VALLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Ace Pilot Training
600 Hayden Circle #4
Allentown, PA 18109
The sky isn’t the limit. It’s the beginning.
Take your first step toward discovering what aviation could mean for you.