National Flight Academy for Teens

The National Flight Academy (NFA) immerses students in grades 7-12 in a six-day program at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. Called Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs), the students are grouped into squadrons where they learn critical thinking skills and teamwork while experiencing adrenaline-filled missions. They use advanced flight simulators and virtual reality technology that stimulates thinking and learning. The experience teaches the students science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, and how are they used in realistic scenarios by pilots, co-pilots and air traffic controllers. Since the flight academy program began in 2012, it has hosted thousands of students from 44 states and several foreign countries. Registration is now open for spring and summer sessions at the National Flight Academy. Cost for one six-day session is $1,250. To register, visit the National Flight Academy webpage.

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