​This spring, three Choose Aerospace programs stepped onto one of the biggest stages in aviation maintenance—the Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Competition at VERTICON in Atlanta—and what happened next was nothing short of remarkable. 

The Competition at VERTICON brings together top aviation maintenance talent from across the industry, including commercial teams, military units, and leading academic programs, all competing in timed, skills-based challenges like safety wiring, torque application, and troubleshooting. 

Among the competitors this year were three Choose Aerospace programs, representing the growing strength of high school aviation maintenance education. Represented were Putnam City High School (Putnam City, OK), Rising Aviation High School (Addison, TX), and Project Amplifi Youth Program (Marion, IL – fielding an incredible three teams). 

And then, something incredible happened. Rising Aviation High School of Addison, Texas didn’t just compete—they won. 

In their first-ever national competition appearance, Rising Aviation students earned the highest overall score, outperforming professional and military teams along the way. They didn’t just edge out the competition—they dominated it, earning top scores across multiple events. Let that sink in for a moment. High school students—still in the early stages of their training—standing at the top of a national competition in one of the most demanding technical fields in aviation. That’s what this work makes possible. 

But this story isn’t just about one team. It’s about all three programs that showed up, stepped into a high-pressure environment, and proved that they belong. Putnam City Aviation Academy was also recognized with the AMC Peer Team Award, voted on by fellow competitors and honoring the team that best demonstrated exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and sportsmanship throughout the event. Competing at this level takes more than technical skill. It takes discipline, preparation, teamwork, and confidence. It takes students willing to challenge themselves and instructors willing to push them to that level.

​And none of it would have been possible without the support of industry partners. We would like to extend a special thank you to Southwest Airlines for providing flights for all three Choose Aerospace teams to attend the competition. That kind of support doesn’t just make participation possible—it creates life-changing opportunities for students to experience the industry firsthand and compete at the highest level. 

These students represented not only their schools, but the broader Choose Aerospace community—demonstrating that high school programs are developing real, job-ready skills that can stand alongside the best in the industry. 

The impact of this moment goes far beyond the competition floor. It sends a clear message to the aviation industry: The next generation of aviation maintenance technicians is already here—and they are ready. 

For the students, it’s a moment they will carry with them for years to come. For their instructors, it’s validation of the many hours spent preparing, coaching, and believing in what’s possible. 

And for all of us, it’s a glimpse into the future we are building together. We couldn’t be more proud. 

​This year, Choose Aerospace had the distinct honor of presenting the inaugural Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award—a recognition that carries deep meaning for our community and the future of aviation. 

To understand the significance of this award, you have to understand the legacy behind the name. 

Dr. Tammera Holmes was a visionary leader, educator, and advocate whose work transformed lives across the aviation industry. As founder of the AeroStar Avion Institute, she dedicated her career to creating pathways into aviation for young people—especially those from underserved and high-risk communities.  ​

Her mission was simple, but powerful: open doors that had long been closed and show students that they belong in aviation. 

Through her work, she helped build a more inclusive and sustainable aviation workforce pipeline, connecting students to opportunities in STEM and aviation careers. Her message of perseverance and possibility—often captured in the phrase “Wings to Dreams”—resonated with everyone she encountered.  

Those who knew Dr. Holmes remember not only her accomplishments, but her passion. She believed deeply in the potential of young people and worked tirelessly to ensure they had the support, exposure, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers in aviation. 

Her impact continues to ripple across the industry today. 

It is in that spirit that Choose Aerospace created this award—to recognize educators who carry that same commitment forward. 

This year’s recipient, Brandi Peace of Tri-County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, exemplifies that legacy. 

Brandi’s work reflects the very heart of what Dr. Holmes stood for. She meets students where they are, creates opportunities for growth, and helps them see a future they may not have imagined for themselves. Through her dedication, she is not only teaching aviation—she is building confidence, opening doors, and shaping lives. 

Presenting this award at the ATEC Annual Conference made the moment even more meaningful. Surrounded by leaders in aviation maintenance education, the recognition of Brandi’s work—and the honoring of Dr. Holmes’ legacy—was met with deep appreciation. 

As Choose Aerospace continues to grow, the Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award will serve as a lasting tribute to a leader who believed in the power of aviation to change lives—and to the educators who are carrying that mission forward every day. ​

​The energy at this year’s ATEC Annual Conference in Portland was something special. 

Whether it was the setting, the time of year, or simply a room full of aviation maintenance educators coming together to learn, connect, and recharge, the atmosphere felt both productive and genuinely welcoming. It was the kind of environment where important work gets done—and where relationships are strengthened. 

Choose Aerospace had a strong presence throughout the conference, sponsoring three breakout sessions that highlighted building high school aviation pathways. 

We kicked things off with Discover Choose Aerospace, our foundational session outlining the industry’s workforce demand, the current shortage, and the critical role high school programs play in closing that gap. 

From there, the conversation moved into real-world application with Building High School Pathways, featuring Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and regional airline Horizon Air. Attendees heard how community partnerships and intentional program design can create a seamless pipeline from high school to Part 147 schools and into aviation careers—solving real workforce challenges along the way. 

Our third session, AMTS Leveraging Choose Aerospace, brought together Part 147 leaders to discuss how they are already responding—offering credit and financial incentives to Choose Aerospace completers. That conversation naturally carried into one of the most exciting developments from the conference. 

Over the years, we’ve seen attitudes toward Choose Aerospace evolve—from appropriate skepticism, to cautious optimism, to acceptance. This year, it felt like we crossed into something new: a genuine tipping point. 

Part 147 schools are not only recognizing the value of high school pipelines—they are actively seeking to build them. Conversations that once required explanation are now focused on implementation. In fact, I’m now fielding multiple calls each month from schools asking how to get involved. It’s an exciting shift—and one that signals real progress for the future of aviation maintenance. 

The conference also gave us the opportunity to honor something deeply meaningful to our community. We presented the first-ever Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to Brandi Peace of Tri-County Tech. 

Tammera Homes, a founding Choose Aerospace board member, dedicated her life to bringing young people—especially those from high-risk environments—into the aviation family. Her passion left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Being able to recognize an outstanding educator in her name was a powerful moment for our team and for the audience. 

As I reflect on the conference, one takeaway stands above the rest: 

Not even the sky is the limit for Choose Aerospace—and for our students. 

The momentum we’ve built this year is significant. And while we know there are challenges ahead—shifts in funding, constraints on resources—we also know we’re not facing them alone. 

The strength of this program is in its people; the teachers, the students, and the partners. 

The work you’re doing is changing lives, and it continues to push us forward. 

We’re excited for what comes next. 

Choose Aerospace partners with employers and FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician schools nationwide to create meaningful next steps for students completing the curriculum.
These partner pathways recognize the value of Choose Aerospace coursework and provide opportunities for students to continue their training with momentum—not repetition.

What These Pathways Offer

Choose Aerospace completers may be eligible for:

• Transfer credit and advanced standing
• Tuition savings and scholarship opportunities
• Accelerated entry into A&P programs
• Direct pathways into advanced coursework and employment

Across institutions including Southern Illinois University Carbondale, US Aviation Academy, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, WSU Tech, Saint Francis University, Portland Community College, Aims Community College, and Pittsburgh Institute of Aviation, students can access flexible options designed to reduce time, cost, and barriers to entry.

Each partner offers a unique model—from credit-by-exam and competency-based assessments to dual-enrollment pipelines and scholarship support—ensuring students have multiple pathways to achieve FAA certification and begin careers in aviation maintenance.

View the full list of partner pathways and details: 
​https://www.chooseaerospace.org/partner-pathways.html

Learn More or Get Involved

Students are encouraged to explore partner options and contact institutions directly to find the best fit.
Schools, training providers, and industry partners interested in joining the Choose Aerospace network are invited to connect to learn more.

Contact Kelly Filgo, Director of Operations

Choose Aerospace has been named the Grand Laureate winner in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) category at the Aviation Week Network 68th Annual Laureate Awards.
​
The Laureate Awards recognize extraordinary achievements across the global aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. Grand Laureate winners are selected from a group of category winners and represent the highest level of recognition within each category.

Choose Aerospace was recognized for its High School Aviation Maintenance Program, which provides students with FAA-aligned curriculum and an industry-recognized credential.

The program is designed to give students a direct pathway toward FAA mechanic certification and careers in aviation maintenance. Since its launch in 2020, it has reached nearly 2,000 learners across more than 40 programs nationwide, helping to address the industry’s ongoing need for a skilled maintenance workforce.

​This recognition highlights the growing impact of early pathway programs in strengthening the aviation maintenance talent pipeline and expanding access to high-demand technical careers.

To combat the growing national shortage of aviation mechanics and create a more seamless pathway for future technicians, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) today announced a new "test-out" policy. This initiative allows students who have completed the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum to earn transfer credits toward their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification training at AIM campuses nationwide.

Through this newly established policy, students who successfully complete the Choose Aerospace general aviation maintenance curriculum—often offered in high schools and technical centers—will be eligible to take a series of competency-based "test-out" examinations upon enrolling at AIM. Students who pass these exams will be awarded direct transfer credit for the corresponding General courses within AIM’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.

This articulation strategy significantly reduces both the time and tuition required for aspiring mechanics to complete their education and enter the workforce.

"Our goal at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance has always been to remove barriers to entry for passionate individuals who want to build a career in aviation," said Dr. Ben Clark, VP of Business & Civic Impact of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. "By recognizing the rigor of the Choose Aerospace curriculum and offering a clear, competency-based test-out option, we are rewarding students for their hard work in high school and accelerating their journey toward becoming fully certified A&P mechanics."
Choose Aerospace, a non-profit organization spearheaded by a coalition of aerospace stakeholders, was designed to build a diverse, robust pipeline of aviation professionals. Its FAA-aligned curriculum introduces high school students to the foundational concepts of aviation maintenance.

"Partnering with a premier institution like AIM to provide tangible college credit for our curriculum is a game-changer for our students," said Kelly Filgo, Director of Operations at Choose Aerospace. "This test-out policy validates the quality of the Choose Aerospace program and provides our graduates with a fast track to high-paying, high-demand careers in the aviation industry."

The test-out policy is fully compliant with the FAA's Part 147 regulations, ensuring that all safety, knowledge, and practical skill standards are rigorously maintained. Eligible students can begin taking advantage of the test-out exams during the enrollment process for the upcoming academic term.
For more information about the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, its programs, and the new Choose Aerospace transfer credit policy, please visit aviationmaintenance.edu.

As the academic year comes to a close, we hope your semester is ending with stories of student success and engaged learning. As we begin preparing for the 2026–27 academic year, we have a few requests that will help us share your program’s impact, support future funding opportunities, and plan for the year ahead.

Share Your Program’s Success Stories
We love highlighting student achievements when meeting with partners and supporters across the country. If you have photos, short videos, news articles, or YouTube links featuring your program or students, please share them with us so we can include them in presentations and promotional materials. Submit your story here: www.chooseaerospace.org/share-your-story.html

Provide End-of-Year Program Data
Instructors will be asked to provide student completion data through an end-of-year survey that will be distributed closer to the end of the year, so please keep an eye on your email.​

Ask Students to Complete the Post-Program Survey
Students who are finishing the program or not returning next year should complete the Post-Program Survey located on their My Courses page in SkilRedi. Their anonymous feedback helps us improve the program.

Register Students for the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential
If your students will complete all 12 courses by the end of the school year, please register them for the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential and set up their ASA Prepware accounts.

Learn more: https://www.atec-amt.org/atec-credential

Attend Choose Aerospace Teacher Training
Join us for the Choose Aerospace Teacher Training in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 9–11. The training includes instruction on using SkilRedi, aviation science theory, hands-on labs, and networking with other instructors using the curriculum.

Learn more: https://www.chooseaerospace.org/teacher-training.html

Register Your Program for the 2026–27 Academic Year
Please take a few minutes to register your program for the upcoming academic year. This process takes less than ten minutes and helps us plan for the year ahead.
​
Register here: https://www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum-application.html

Prepare for Annual License Agreements
Annual license agreements will be distributed soon. Please notify your administration so they are ready to review, sign, and return them promptly.

Share Your Feedback
We always welcome feedback from instructors and program administrators. Please send comments or suggestions to: [email protected].

We appreciate how busy teachers and administrators are, and we thank you for helping us strengthen aviation maintenance education across the country.

At Flight Expo Inc. in Minnesota, aviation education doesn’t happen in theory alone. It happens on the ramp, in the hangar, and beside real aircraft. Launched in September 2025, the NextGen Aviation Program is already proving what’s possible when structured curriculum meets real-world application. Led by Terra McGillivray, CFI-I, AGI, this first-year Choose Aerospace partner is building more than an aviation class — they are building a direct bridge into the workforce. 

A Strong Foundation with a New Structure 

While this is Flight Expo’s first formal year partnering with Choose Aerospace, the organization is no stranger to youth aviation education. Through its Build A Plane program, Flight Expo has served students ages 12–18 across Northwestern Minnesota for several years. Now, with the addition of Choose Aerospace, the program has taken a significant step forward. “The partnership has allowed us to build a structured aviation maintenance pathway and connect students to real postsecondary opportunities,” McGillivray explains. 

That structure matters. The program currently serves four students from Sherburne and Milaca Counties, and it operates in partnership with St. Cloud Technical & Community College, allowing students to see a tangible next step toward college credit and advanced training. In addition, partnerships with Princeton Public Schools and the Elk River School District are helping establish aviation as a real and attainable pathway within the broader K–12 ecosystem. ​

Learning Where Aircraft Live 

Flight Expo operates alongside a flying club and an active maintenance shop — and that proximity changes everything. Students are not only studying aircraft systems. They are walking around them. Starting them. Troubleshooting them. One of the most powerful moments this year came during the Weight and Balance section of the curriculum. Half of the students entered the program passionate about flying. The other half was focused on maintenance. But as they progressed through the coursework, they began to see how deeply interconnected those disciplines truly are. 

“When we connected flight instruction concepts with maintenance principles, something clicked,” McGillivray says. “They began applying aerodynamic reasoning across both areas.” Even later in the curriculum, students continue referencing weight and balance concepts — not because they memorized them, but because they understand them. That shift — from memorization to mastery — is where real education happens. 

From Abstract to Action 

Another breakthrough came during the aircraft starting and emergency procedures sections. Because the program operates on an active ramp, students were able to immediately apply what they were learning in a supervised environment. They physically started aircraft and walked through real emergency scenarios. They made decisions in real time. 

“Watching them think critically through procedures and troubleshoot in real time transformed abstract lessons into meaningful decision making,” McGillivray explains. That kind of experiential learning builds something deeper than knowledge — it builds judgment. 

Surprising Strengths 

One of the most unexpected outcomes of the program has been the students’ natural aptitude in technical areas. Students who initially identified as “future pilots” developed a genuine respect for maintenance. Maintenance-focused students gained a stronger appreciation for flight operations. More surprising still was how naturally students embraced systems thinking and safety culture. 

“Each of them is leaving this program better prepared, more confident, and grounded in a culture of safety and excellence,” McGillivray says. “We believe they will contribute meaningfully to the aviation industry.” Academically, students have performed strongly in math- and science-heavy sections of the curriculum, requiring minimal additional support. Their assessment scores reflect not just competence, but confidence. 

Building a Sustainable Pipeline 

Community support has been essential to making the hands-on model work. Access to aircraft, tools, mentorship, and an active aviation environment allows the NextGen Aviation Program to deliver authentic training experiences. Partnerships with St. Cloud Technical & Community College help create a postsecondary runway. As the program grows, McGillivray hopes to deepen partnerships with local school districts and expand lab opportunities with additional equipment and structured classroom integration. Programs like NextGen are not simply offering enrichment. They are directly addressing the aviation workforce shortage by introducing students to maintenance pathways early and connecting them to both postsecondary and military opportunities. 

Clear Goals, Real Direction 

Perhaps the most encouraging sign of success? All four current students have clear aviation goals. 

• Two plan to pursue flight-related careers. 
• Two are planning to enter aviation maintenance roles in the military. 

Each student is leaving the program more confident, better prepared, and grounded in a culture of safety and professionalism. 

More Than a Class 

At its core, Flight Expo’s NextGen Aviation Program combines structured curriculum with real-world application. Students are not simply consuming information — they are building habits of craftsmanship, discipline, and integrity. Choose Aerospace has helped formalize what Flight Expo already believed: Aviation maintenance is not just a job. It is a professional pathway that demands precision, skill, and pride. And in Minnesota, that pathway is already taking shape. 

For more information: 

https://flightexpo.org/nextgen-aviation-mechanic 
https://www.givemn.org/organization/Flight-Expo ​

Choose Aerospace recently held its annual Board of Directors meeting to review progress, set strategic direction, and advance efforts to strengthen the aerospace technical workforce pipeline.

During the meeting, the Board formally adopted a new multi-year strategic plan designed to guide decision-making and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission: meeting the evolving needs of the aerospace workforce through accessible and attainable career pathways. The plan will serve as a living framework—reviewed regularly and adapted as opportunities and challenges emerge—while remaining grounded in real-time industry demand.

The strategic plan outlines clear priorities across curriculum development, credential expansion, funding and scholarships, board and staff growth, and data-driven impact reporting. Central to the plan is an intentional focus on collaboration with industry to carry out key initiatives, expand work-based learning opportunities, and build secondary, post-secondary, and employer partnerships.

Near-term objectives include expanding credential recognition in high-employment aviation states, strengthening scholarship opportunities through a new pooled funding model, enhancing curriculum alignment with FAA standards, and capturing measurable success stories that demonstrate workforce outcomes for students and employers alike.

The Board also took action to strengthen its governance with the election of Margaret “Meg” Muller of PSA Airlines to a three-year term as Director. Muller brings deep industry experience and a strong commitment to workforce development and aviation career pathways. Her appointment reflects the organization’s continued emphasis on board leadership that actively supports industry alignment, partnerships, and sustainable growth.

Additional updates included continued national expansion of the Choose Aerospace curriculum—now serving more than 1,100 students across 21 states—with new programs and partnerships in development. The Board also discussed upcoming scholarship launches, credit-bearing pathways for graduates, and opportunities to further collaborate with industry to reduce barriers between education and employment.

With the adoption of the strategic plan and the addition of new board leadership, Choose Aerospace is well positioned to work alongside industry partners to expand access, strengthen pathways, and deliver measurable outcomes for the aerospace workforce. Choose Aerospace is actively seeking industry partners to support execution and amplify impact—please reach out to get involved.

Choose Aerospace, in partnership with the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), is expanding access to FAA-aligned mechanic education with a new online, independent-learning option for FAA A&P General coursework.

Through this partnership, Choose Aerospace and ATEC aim to increase flexibility and access in aviation education by providing a high-quality learning option that supports workforce development, instructor preparation, and industry engagement—while complementing, not replacing, FAA-certificated A&P programs.

This offering serves as an additional resource for professional development, instructor enrichment, and industry support—particularly for individuals seeking structured exposure to the general curriculum that can be completed on an independent timeline.

The program is primarily intended for adult learners, including aviation educators, industry professionals, and instructors at A&P schools who are not yet certificated but are seeking a deeper, more formal grounding in FAA general subjects. Homeschool students, highly motivated secondary and postsecondary learners, and private individuals are also welcome to enroll.

Program Structure, Time Commitment, and Learner Support

Participants will complete the coursework using Choose Aerospace’s FAA ACS–aligned curriculum, delivered through a learning management system (LMS). The program is self-paced and designed to accommodate individual schedules. The content includes video lectures, content reinforcing activities, and multiple assessments to measure progress.

The estimated time to complete the online General coursework is approximately 150 hours of computer-based instruction, though actual completion time may vary depending on prior knowledge and learning pace.

Learners are supported by a certificated A&P instructor serving in a coaching role. There are no required class meeting times; instead, the instructor provides assistance through office hours and asynchronous support, helping learners navigate content, clarify concepts, and stay on track.

In addition to the knowledge-based coursework, optional opportunities may be available to support hands-on labs or project-based learning via video conference, provided the learner has access to the necessary tools and equipment. These activities are supplemental in nature and intended to reinforce understanding of the curriculum.

More information about the FAA-aligned curriculum is available at:
​www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.html 

Important Notes on FAA Eligibility and Credit

Completion of the FAA A&P General coursework through this online option does not, by itself, qualify an individual to take the FAA General knowledge test.

However, students who complete the curriculum and pass a comprehensive ATEC written exam earn the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential, which may be eligible for credit-bearing opportunities at participating FAA-certificated A&P schools, subject to each school’s eligibility requirements. As such, this program can serve as a preparatory or supplemental pathway for learners planning to enter or continue formal A&P training.

Students interested in a direct-to-work pathway can gain an edge on job applications and interviews in comparison to applicants with no prior experience in aviation. Employers will be able to see the  evidence that you have mastered the General aviation maintenance knowledge standards, helping you will stand out in the applicant pool.

Indicate Your Interest

Individuals who would like to enroll or request pricing information are encouraged to complete the interest form at: https://www.chooseaerospace.org/online-faa-mechanic-general-coursework.html