Upcoming events.
Pathways to the Skies
Pathways to the Skies is a first-of-its-kind, no-cost, two-day virtual symposium hosted by the Native American Aviation Association (NAAA) on February 10 & 11, 2026, designed to introduce Tribal communities across the country to the full range of career opportunities in the aviation industry. Bringing together leaders from major aviation companies, educators, Tribal leaders, and workforce development experts, the event will provide accessible, practical insight into careers spanning piloting, maintenance, airport operations, air traffic control, aerospace engineering, UAS/drone technology, business aviation, and Tribal aviation as economic development. Created to address long-standing gaps in awareness, access, and clear career pathways, the symposium aims not only to educate but to launch sustained engagement through mentorship, training, and industry partnerships, ensuring Native talent has a clear and lasting on-ramp into one of the world’s most dynamic and opportunity-rich industries.
A Two-Day Virtual Symposium for Tribal Youth & Tribal Communities
Hosted by the Native American Aviation Association (NAAA)
February 10th & 11th 2026
DAY 1 — FOUNDATIONS & ENTRY POINTS
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
12:00 – 12:05 PM | Opening Welcome (5 minutes)
Speaker:
Tim Goulet, Board Chairman NAAA
Kevin Allis, Executive Director, NAAA
Purpose: Introduce the goals of the symposium, highlight Indian Country’s growing presence in aviation, and encourage youth participation.
12:05 – 12:50 PM | Panel 1: “What IS the Aviation Industry?” — A 360° Overview
Description:
An accessible introduction breaking down the full aviation ecosystem, pilots, maintenance, airports, aerospace manufacturing, UAS, air traffic, government roles, business aviation, and tribal opportunities. Perfect for first-time learners.
Ideal Panelists:
Director of Workforce Development, Aviation Association Executive
Airport Director, Tribal or Rural Regional Airport
Talent Pipeline Manager, Major Airline or Aircraft Manufacturer
12:50 – 1:05 PM | Break
1:05 – 1:50 PM | Panel 2: Becoming a Pilot — Pathways, Training, and Funding Support
Description:
A step-by-step explanation of how to become a private, commercial, and airline-transport pilot. Covers scholarships, tribal education programs, flight school costs, FAA requirements, and career timelines. Includes lived experience from Native or Indigenous pilots.
Ideal Panelists:
Chief Flight Instructor, Part 141 Flight School
Airline First Officer (Native/Indigenous), Major U.S. Carrier
Scholarship Program Officer, University Admissions Officer/Scholarship Funding Organization
1:50 – 2:05 PM | Break
2:05 – 2:50 PM | Panel 3: A&P and Aircraft Maintenance Careers — The Beating Heart of Aviation
Description:
Explains FAA A&P certification, the role of aircraft mechanics, job salary ranges, opportunities in tribal and rural aviation, and how A&P training creates pathways into aerospace manufacturing, avionics, and turbine maintenance.
Ideal Panelists:
Director of Maintenance, Business Jet Operator
Aviation Maintenance Technology Instructor, Community College Aviation Program
Field Service Representative, Maintenance Organization or Manufacturer Official
2:50 – 3:05 PM | Break
3:05 – 3:50 PM | Panel 4: Airport Operations & Management — Careers on the Ground
Description:
Covers airport operations, firefighting/ARFF positions, FBO jobs, fueling, logistics, airport security, wildlife management, and opportunities for Tribes operating or partnering with airports.
Ideal Panelists:
Airport Operations Manager, Part 139 Airport
FBO General Manager, National FBO
Tribal Economic Development Director (with airport-related program oversight)
3:50 – 4:05 PM | Break
4:05 – 4:50 PM | Panel 5: Air Traffic Control, Airspace, and Aviation Safety Careers
Description:
FAA ATC career entry steps, training schools, age requirements, and pathways. Also includes aviation safety roles: dispatch, safety management systems, and accident investigation.
Ideal Panelists:
FAA Air Traffic Controller, ARTCC or TRACON facility
Certified Aircraft Dispatcher, Major Airline
Aviation Safety Inspector, FAA or NTSB analyst
4:50 – 5:00 PM | Day-One Wrap-Up & Youth Inspiration Moment (10 minutes)
A short inspirational message from a Native aviator or military veteran pilot.
DAY 2 — ADVANCED PATHWAYS, FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES & INDUSTRY CULTURE
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
12:00 – 12:05 PM | Welcome Back & Reflections (5 minutes)
12:05 – 12:50 PM | Panel 6: Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing & STEM Futures
Description:
For students interested in engineering and design. Covers careers in aerospace R&D, aircraft design, test engineering, avionics, composites fabrication, and space-sector jobs.
Ideal Panelists:
Aerospace Engineer, Major Aviation Industry Company
Test Engineer, FAA or Private Aerospace Lab
University Professor in Aerospace Engineering, Tribal-Serving or Regional Institution
12:50 – 1:05 PM | Break
1:05 – 1:50 PM | Panel 7: UAS/Drone Technology — The Fastest-Growing Aviation Sector
Description:
Shows how drones serve agriculture, emergency services, wildfire prevention, land surveying, environmental monitoring, and cultural resource protection, high-demand roles for tribal nations.
Ideal Panelists:
UAS Program Manager, Tribal Emergency Services or Forestry Official
Chief Drone Pilot, Private UAS Services Provider
FAA UAS Integration Specialist, FAA
1:50 – 2:05 PM | Break
2:05 – 2:50 PM | Panel 8: Business & Corporate Aviation Careers — A Powerful Hidden Sector
Description:
Explores business aviation careers: charter pilots, schedulers/dispatchers, maintenance crews, line service, corporate flight department operations, and high-skill, high-salary roles.
Ideal Panelists:
Director of Operations, Part 135 Charter Operator/Carrier
Corporate Captain, Major Private Fleet
Aviation Scheduler/Dispatcher, Major Business Aviation Member Operator
2:50 – 3:05 PM | Break
3:05 – 3:50 PM | Panel 9: Tribal Airports, Tribal Sovereignty & Aviation as Economic Development
Description:
Focused on Indian Country’s unique opportunities: developing tribal airports, building aviation STEM programs, creating UAS surveillance projects, and expanding workforce training tied to sovereignty and self-determination.
Ideal Panelists:
Tribal Transportation Director
Economic Development CEO, Tribal Enterprise with Aviation Projects
FAA Tribal Affairs Liaison, USDOT/FAA
3:50 – 4:05 PM | Break
4:05 – 4:50 PM | Panel 10: “Your Flight Plan” — How to Build a Career Pathway & Find Mentors
Description:
A closing workshop on actionable next steps: building a resume, applying for scholarships, finding mentors, joining aviation clubs, and staying engaged with NAAA’s programs.
Ideal Panelists:
Aviation Scholarship Director, University or National Aviation Organization
HR Talent Acquisition Lead, Major Airline or MRO
Native/Indigenous Aviation Professional, Mentor Representative
4:50 – 5:00 PM | Closing Ceremony — Elevating Native Voices in the Skies
Education and Career Development
The events planned for FY2026 promise to be powerful gateways connecting Indian Country to the vast world of aviation… showcasing not only the industry itself, but the incredible career pathways it holds for Native youth and professionals alike. Stay tuned for details and scheduling as we prepare to take flight together.
Winter (February 2026): Pathways to the Skies virtual symposium introducing tribal youth to pilot and A&P pathways.
Spring (April 2026): Flightkeepers Challenge Regional Workshops, hands-on STEM sessions in partnership with national organizations.
Summer (June 2026): Aviation Futures Summit, possibly coinciding with an Airshow & Tradeshow.
Fall (September 2026): Soaring Scholars Forum, scholarship and mentorship networking event connecting tribal aviation students with corporate and agency partners.
Fundraising Events
The fundraising events ahead will do far more than generate support for the vital mission of the Native American Aviation Association… they’ll open doors to meaningful connections with some of the most respected and influential leaders shaping today’s aviation industry. Stay tuned for more details!
Q1 – March 2026: Native Skies Gala (Pacific Northwest)
Q2 – June 2026: Soaring Futures Golf Tournament (Midwest)
Q3 – September 2026: Flight Path Fundraising Banquet (Great Plains)
Q4 – November 2026: Tribal Aviation Leadership Summit (Palm Springs, CA)
“The Sky’s the Limit: Exploring Aviation Careers for Indian Country”
“The Sky’s the Limit: Exploring Aviation Careers for Indian Country,” will offer a dynamic two-day program combining career exploration, STEM education, and cultural celebration. On Day 1, participants will explore aviation career pathways, learn about the science of flight, and engage in interactive career workshops featuring Native professionals and educators sharing insights and resources. Day 2 will spotlight cutting-edge aviation technology, including drones, while celebrating Native heritage through storytelling and innovation. Concluding with mentorship opportunities and inspiring messages, the event will provide attendees with tools and inspiration to soar into aviation careers while honoring their cultural roots. Participation is free!!!
Registration: TBD
NAAA Two-Day Virtual Program Agenda: “The Sky’s the Limit: Exploring Aviation Careers for Indian Country"
Day 1: Introduction to Aviation Careers and the Role of STEM (All Times EST)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Welcome and Program Overview
Host: NAAA Executive Director or Representative
Keynote: “The Future of Aviation and the Role of Indian Country” by a Native aviation leader or FAA representative.
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM: Panel 1 - Exploring Aviation Careers
Topics:
Overview of aviation career paths (pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians).
The role of Native professionals in aviation.
Career progression and opportunities for economic mobility in tribal communities.
Panelists:
Native commercial or military pilot.
Aircraft maintenance technician working with tribal programs.
Air traffic controller specializing in rural or tribal airspace.
Representative from an aviation trade association.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Break
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Panel 2 - STEM in Aviation: The Science of Flight
Topics:
Basic principles of flight: lift, thrust, drag, and weight.
Hands-on activities (virtual walkthroughs of flight mechanics or physics demos).
STEM applications in aviation careers (math for navigation, physics for design).
Panelists:
Aerospace engineer with tribal affiliations.
Drone operator or technologist from a tribal program.
STEM educator specializing in aviation-related curriculums.
Native aviation student or intern in a STEM program.
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Panel 3 - Aviation Career Tree Workshop
Topics:
Interactive exploration of aviation career paths by skill level and interest area.
Insights on transitioning between career branches (e.g., drone operations to piloting).
Resources for students to map their future aviation careers.
Panelists:
Aviation career advisor.
Tribal community representative overseeing workforce development.
Native aviation professional who transitioned careers (e.g., maintenance to piloting).
Representative from a university aviation program.
5:00 PM: Day 1 Wrap-Up
Summary of key takeaways.
Audience Q&A session with panel moderators.
Day 2: Aviation Technology and Heritage in Innovation
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Welcome and Recap of Day 1
Host: NAAA Program Coordinator.
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM: Panel 4 - Drones and Modern Aviation Tools
Topics:
Use of drones in tribal land surveying, wildlife monitoring, and emergency response.
Overview of modern aviation tools like flight simulators and navigation systems.
Drone programming basics and their growing role in aviation careers.
Panelists:
Drone operator with tribal affiliations.
Representative from a drone technology company.
Native student specializing in drone programming.
FAA representative focused on drone regulations.
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Panel 5 - Heritage and Aviation: Celebrating Culture through Innovation
Topics:
Stories of Native ingenuity in aerospace (e.g., Mary Golda Ross).
Cultural connections to aviation (e.g., storytelling about the sky or birds).
Designing aviation tools inspired by tribal art and traditions.
Panelists:
Native aerospace engineer or historian.
Cultural advisor discussing Native heritage in STEM.
Artist or designer who integrates tribal motifs into aviation projects.
Educator with expertise in cultural storytelling.
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Panel 6 - Pathways to Success: Mentorship and Opportunities
Topics:
Role of mentorship in aviation career development.
Overview of scholarships, internships, and job placements available for Native students.
Building professional networks in the aviation industry.
Panelists:
Native mentor in an aviation field.
Scholarship or internship program representative.
Aviation student mentee sharing their journey.
HR representative from an aviation company or airline.
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Day 2 Closing Session
Wrap-up of program highlights.
Inspirational message from a Native aviation leader.
Invitation to join NAAA mentorship and resources program.
Program Notes
Each panel includes a 15-minute Q&A to encourage audience engagement.
Virtual activities such as polls, quizzes, and downloadable resources will be integrated for interactivity.
Post-event materials (recordings, career guides, resource links) will be provided to all attendees.
This agenda balances career exploration, STEM education, cultural celebration, and practical guidance for launching aviation careers.
So... You Want to Be a Pilot?
Embark on an exhilarating 2½-day journey into the world of aviation with "So… You Want to Be a Pilot?" From understanding the fundamentals of flight to hands-on experiences in flight simulators and aircraft tours, this event offers aspiring pilots a comprehensive introduction to the art and science of flying. Attendees will gain insights from seasoned pilots, learn the essentials of navigation and aerodynamics, and create a personalized roadmap to achieving their dreams of earning their wings. With interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, and connections to industry experts, this is the perfect launchpad for anyone ready to take flight!
Location: TBD. Registration for this event coming soon!
Agenda for "So… You Want to Be a Pilot?"
2 ½-Day Introductory Event for Aspiring Pilots
Day 1: Welcome to Aviation
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Registration & Check-In
Welcome packets, event agenda, and name tags distributed.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks
Introduction to the event.
Keynote: "Why Choose Aviation?" (Speaker: Experienced Pilot or Flight Instructor).
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Session 1: What It Takes to Be a Pilot
Overview of pilot requirements (medical, training, certifications).
Types of pilots: Private, Commercial, Airline, and Recreational.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Coffee Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Session 2: What It Is to Be a Pilot
Daily responsibilities and challenges.
Guest Panel: Pilots from various aviation careers share their stories.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Interactive Workshop: Life as a Pilot
Role-playing exercises (e.g., decision-making during a flight).
Real-life scenarios and how pilots handle them.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (Provided)
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Session 3: How Planes Fly – Basics of Aerodynamics
Principles of flight: Lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
Interactive models or demonstrations (e.g., paper airplanes or wind tunnel demonstrations).
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Break
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Hands-On: Tour of an Aircraft
Explore a small aircraft: cockpit, controls, instruments, and systems.
Q&A with a certified flight instructor.
Day 2: The Art and Science of Flying
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Morning Briefing & Recap
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 4: Basics of Flight Control
Introduction to flight controls: yoke, throttle, rudder pedals.
Basic maneuvers explained: climbs, descents, turns.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Flight Simulator Experience (Part 1)
Introductory simulator session with an instructor.
Practice taxiing, takeoff, and level flight.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Session 5: Navigating the Sky
Introduction to navigation tools: maps, compasses, GPS, and instruments.
Air traffic control basics: how pilots communicate with ATC.
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Flight Simulator Experience (Part 2)
Practice basic maneuvers and landing.
Feedback and tips from flight instructors.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Reflection and Q&A
Share experiences and ask questions about flight training.
Day 3: Starting Your Journey as a Pilot (Half Day)
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Morning Briefing & Recap
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 6: Becoming a Pilot – The Process
Flight schools and programs: what to look for.
Certifications: Private Pilot License (PPL) and beyond.
Financial planning: costs and funding options.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Next Steps Workshop
Developing a personal action plan for flight training.
Meet representatives from local flight schools, aviation organizations, and mentorship programs.
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM: Closing Remarks
Acknowledgments and event summary.
Certificates of participation distributed.