“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.

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.