- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mountain Home Christian Academy Students Explore Aviation at Airport Visit
Eighth-graders learn about aviation careers and flight through hands-on activities with Leading Edge Aviation Foundation.
Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:20pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Students from Mountain Home Christian Academy's eighth-grade class recently spent a morning at Baxter County Airport, learning about aviation and potential career opportunities in the industry. The visit was hosted by pilots with the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF), who provided an aviation video lesson, allowed students to fly a flight simulator, explore aircraft, and learn about unmanned aircraft and various aviation careers.
Why it matters
The visit aimed to expose students to the wide range of career paths available in the aviation industry, from piloting to aerospace engineering. By engaging students in hands-on activities and discussions with experienced pilots, the event sought to spark their interest in pursuing aviation-related studies and professions.
The details
During the visit, students began with an aviation video lesson on aerodynamics, then split into groups to experience different aviation activities. They had the chance to fly a flight simulator, explore aircraft on display, and learn about the capabilities of drones. Pilots and volunteers also answered questions about various aviation careers. The event featured aircraft such as a Zenith experimental plane, a powered parachute, a Rockwell Lark, and an American Champion Scout, allowing students to sit in the cockpits and learn about flight controls.
- The visit took place on March 10, 2026.
- LEAF's Aviation STEM Studies program will begin for MHCA's ninth-grade students next school year.
The players
Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF)
A nonprofit organization that works to educate and support students interested in aviation careers. Since 2023, LEAF has awarded more than $38,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing aviation and aerospace studies.
Lt. Col. (ret.) Gary Smith
Provided the aviation video lesson on aerodynamics in the Civil Air Patrol classroom.
Cody Cline
An independent certified flight instructor who spoke with students about learning to fly and the wide range of civilian and military aviation careers.
Mountain Home Christian Academy (MHCA)
The school whose eighth-grade class participated in the aviation visit at Baxter County Airport.
What’s next
LEAF's Aviation STEM Studies program will begin for MHCA's ninth-grade students next school year, using aviation concepts to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The takeaway
By engaging students in hands-on aviation activities and discussions with experienced pilots, the event sought to spark their interest in pursuing aviation-related studies and professions, potentially leading to careers in the growing and diverse field of aviation.
