Aviation Exploration

Description: Ignite your student’s curiosity and passion for aviation! Students will discover aviation through real-world opportunities, resources, and hands-on experiences, including opportunities 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 (an important step toward earning a 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 admission to participating 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.

Parent Support
Our track provides parents with step-by-step guidance and resources to help support their student’s aviation exploration throughout the year. An optional annual Kick-Off & Parent Orientation is included, with replay access for convenience.

Preparation

• Kick-Off Email: Before our annual Kick-Off & Parent Orientation, we’ll send registered families important information and next steps to help you and your student get started.

• 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 (w/ Replay): Friday, August 28, 2026, from 2:30–3:30pm

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

Join our Colorado Aviation Homeschoolers online community to connect with other homeschool families interested in aviation, share resources and opportunities, ask questions, and discover what’s happening around Colorado.

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

Age Range: 2nd–12th Grade (individual opportunities may have additional age requirements)

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: True North’s Aviation Exploration Series brings aviation learning to life through immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences across Colorado. Students explore aviation and aerospace careers, the science of flight, air traffic control, airport operations, military and civilian aviation, aerospace technology, and aviation history—all while meeting professionals and gaining access to facilities and experiences not typically available to the public.

Field Trips, Locations & Experiences May Include:

• USAFA Davis Airfield (Colorado Springs)

• Airport Tours (Denver & Colorado Springs)

• FAA Colorado Springs Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT/TRACON)

• Denver Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON)

• FAA Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) (Longmont)

• Historic FlyteCo Tower — Former Stapleton Air Traffic Control Tower (Denver)

• USAFA Planetarium — From Forces of Flight to Fighter Pilot (Colorado Springs)

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

• Exploration of Flight (Centennial)

• National Museum of World War II Aviation (Colorado Springs)

• High Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (HAATS) (Eagle), when available

Dates: Experiences are offered throughout the year, with dates and timing based on facility and tour availability.

This field trip series complements our Aviation Educational Track, allowing students to connect what they’re exploring through the track with real-world aviation experiences.

Join our online Colorado Aviation Homeschoolers community to connect with other Colorado homeschool families interested in aviation!

Cost: Many True North-coordinated aviation tours are Free for Members | $5 for Non-Members when space is available. Admission-based destinations and special experiences may have additional fees.

Age Range: K-12th (individual opportunities may have additional age requirements)

2026–2027 Program: Experiences are scheduled throughout the school year based on facility and tour availability.

Registration*:

Rolling registration as we get them scheduled.

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