There is exciting news at Mountain Heritage High School! Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program will launch a new Aviation pathway designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in aviation and aerospace.
Prior to entering high school, elementary students learn aviation and electrical concepts in the school maker spaces. In middle school all 7th grade students complete the Project Lead The Way Space and Flight STEM course and attend an Aviation Expo at the Avery County Airport. This annual Aviation event has been highly successful thanks to demonstrations and partnerships with Yancey County Emergency Management and the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office, MAMA of Mission Hospital, representatives from the Mtn. Air Pilot’s Association, and many other aviation-related partners.
The new Aviation pathway will allow freshmen and sophomores to continue building on their learning experiences. Students will study engineering principles, problem-solving strategies, and the technological innovations that have shaped today’s aviation and aerospace industries. Coursework will include an in-depth look at various types of aircraft in use, aircraft design, and the scientific principles that allow them to fly.
Juniors and seniors will have a truly unique opportunity as the first students in western North Carolina to partner with the Tango Flight program. Through this nationally recognized program, students will apply advanced skills in mathematics, science, and engineering while collaborating with mentors from the aviation community to build an airplane. Once the aircraft has been inspected and certified by the FAA, students will have the opportunity to take flights in the airplane they helped build.
This innovative addition to the CTE program reflects Yancey County Schools’ commitment to expanding career pathways and providing students with transformative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation. Experience from the aviation classes will enhance students' ability to work in the field as aviation mechanics, aerospace engineers, pilots, and other aviation and aerospace professionals.
A special thank you to CTE director Cynthia Deyton, GE Aerospace, Dan Weyant of Tango Flight, School Board member Will Hensley, Steve Holz, and the Mtn. Air Pilot’s Association for their commitment to developing this new pathway.
