Aviation Exploration

Description: Ignite your student’s curiosity and passion for flight! Students will explore real-world opportunities and gain access to unique, hands-on experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Take a first flight* through EAA Young Eagles events

  • Check out this “Young Eagles — 30 Years of Inspiring the Next Generation” video

• Begin their aviation journey with free private pilot ground school (first step toward earning pilot certificate)

• Earn free introductory flight lesson after completing first three volumes of ground school course

• Receive free student memberships to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Soaring Society of America (SSA), and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) after first flight

• Gain access to free student membership with AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), connecting them to nationwide aviation community and valuable career-building resources

• Enjoy free admission to 400+ science and technology museums across country

• Access AeroEducate, 24/7 online platform featuring aviation activities, design challenges, and opportunities to earn badges while learning Engineering Design Process

• Participate in optional aviation field trips and industry experiences through our Aviation Field Trip Series, including museums, airport tours, air traffic control visits, etc.

*Free flight and resources listed above are for ages 8-17
**AOPA membership is for ages 13-20

Additional Aviation Resources
Aviation magazines, flight school and post-secondary scholarships, career exploration pathways, glider training resources, and ongoing opportunities as students progress in their aviation journey

Skills Developed
Real-world STEM skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering design

…and many more aviation opportunities as students progress.

*Free flight and resources listed above are for ages 8–17
**AOPA membership is for ages 13–20

Parent Support
Our track provides step-by-step guidance for parents to navigate the aviation pathway, ensuring they can support their student’s journey every step of the way. Optional kick-off training and parent orientation are included, with replay access for convenience.

Preparation

• Kick-Off Email: A week before scheduled annual Kick-Off & Parent Orientation Zoom Meeting, we’ll send detailed email to help you and your student prepare for this learning experience

• Parent Resource Page: Access Aviation Exploration Parent Resource Page for critical information and step-by-step guidance through this virtual track

• Kick-Off & Orientation Zoom Meeting: Join us on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 2:30–3:30pm for the Aviation Exploration Kick-Off & Parent Orientation (replay available)

  • Can’t attend live? No problem! Sign up anyway and plan to watch the replay to get all the guidance you need.

Join our online Colorado STEM Homeschoolers community for additional support and connection!

Cost: Free for Members | $5 for Non-Members

Age Range: 2nd-12th

2026–2027 Program: Offered year-round with 24/7 access to all content and resources

Registration:

*Registration always opens first for Members and then to the public if have spots left.

AVIATION EXPLORATION SERIES

Description: Join us as we explore different aspects of the aviation industry.

We will be visiting:

• Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum (Denver)

  • Aerodynamics Tour & Self-Guided Group Days

  • General Museum

• Exploration of Flight (Centennial)

• Museum of WWII Aviation (Colorado Springs)

• Denver (TRACON) Tour — Terminal Radar Approach Control

  • Denver (TRACON) Tour — May 20, 2026 | 9:00–11:00am. Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Denver Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and explore air traffic operations up close. Highlights: Presentation on air traffic control and TRACON operations; Guided tour of live traffic control floor, observing controllers managing real-time air traffic; Hands-on air traffic simulation experience; and Interactive Q&A with Controllers. Recommended for ages 7 and up. All participants must remain quiet inside the TRACON due to the highly sensitive work environment. Participants 16 and older must present a valid ID. Additional registration information may be requested.

• Historic Tower Tours at FlyteCo Tower + Lunch (Denver) — former Stapleton Airport Air Traffic Control Tower

  • Historic Tower Tours at FlyteCo Tower + Lunch (Denver) — former Stapleton Airport Air Traffic Control Tower — May 20, 2026 | (see tour schedules). Guided tours, lunch and games together at the unique FlyteCo Tower, located in the historic air traffic control tower from the former Stapleton Airport. This aviation-themed destination offers students a chance to experience a piece of Denver’s aviation history while enjoying a fun and memorable setting. During the tour, students will learn about the history of Stapleton Airport and the role of air traffic control in aviation. The experience combines education, history, and a unique environment that connects directly to real-world aviation careers. Lunch is optional for participants (Restaurant Menu). Minimum age for tour, not restaurant: 10 years old.

    • Tour #1: Tour (10-11:30am) + Lunch (11:30am-12:30pm) + Games

    • Tour #2: Lunch (11am-12pm) + Tour (12-1:30pm) + Games

    • Tour #3: Lunch (12-1pm) + Games + Tour (1:30-3:00pm)

• Colorado Springs ATCT Tour — Airport Traffic Control Tower

  • FAA Colorado Springs ATCT/TRACON — Monday, April 13, 2026 | 9:00am start time. Families participating will need to have a background check completed and provide True North with person’s name, DOB, DL # and State of issue (for anyone 16 and above with driver’s license). Ages: 7 years old and up.

• HAATS - High Altitude Army National Guard (ARNG) Aviation Training Site (Eagle Airport)

• Airport Tours (DEN & COS)

This series is in tandem with our Aviation Educational Track.

Dates: We are adding each one as they open up so check back frequently.

Cost: Free for Members on some. Others will vary based on museum fees.

2025-2026 Program: Running on various days throughout the school year.

Registration*:

Rolling registration as we get them scheduled.

*Registration always opens first for Members and then to the public if have spots left.