Shawnee Students Soar to New Heights at Flight Club 502
On March 26, 2025, students from The Academy at Shawnee visited Bowman Field for a unique and exhilarating experience, exploring the world of aviation through a visit to Flight Club 502. The day provided an opportunity for hands-on learning and exposed students to potential career paths in aviation.
The field trip, a collaboration between Louisville Aviation and Flight Club 502, was designed to give students real-world experiences in aviation. The group included 23 high school students from the Aviation, Interactive Media Arts, and Manufacturing (A.I.M.) Academy at Shawnee, along with three middle school students exploring aviation. The day’s activities included a tour of Flight Club 502, a visit to the LMPD Helicopter, and a visit to the Flight Club 502 Hanger with guest speakers.
For many students, the highlight of the day was the Discovery Flight, where they had the chance to fly a plane for the first time. This was a significant opportunity, as many had only experienced flight simulators in school.
Student Experiences Take Flight
The visit to Bowman Field and Flight Club 502 delivered a range of powerful experiences for the students. For many, like Ja’niah, a Shawnee student studying aviation, this was their first time in an airplane, an experience she greatly enjoyed. Lariah, another Shawnee high school student, vividly described the unique sensations of flight, particularly a horizontal turn, and declared this “the best field trip I’ve been on.” The opportunity to experience flight firsthand provided an unforgettable adventure.
Beyond the thrill, the experience opened students' eyes to new possibilities and career paths. For some, like Jaë, who is considering a career in the Air Force as a linguist studying Chinese and Mandarin, the day offered inspiration and a clearer vision for the future. The chance to engage with aviation in a real-world setting broadened their perspectives.
Several students highlighted the significant difference between flight simulators and actual flight. Jonathan, a Shawnee student, pointed out the distinct contrast between the two experiences. Ayden, a middle school student exploring pathways, expressed surprise at the feeling of low gravity and the sensation of turns, an experience that has him considering a career as a pilot and potentially joining the AIM Academy. These observations underscore the value of hands-on learning and the unique insights gained from real-world experiences.
Flight Club 502: A “Flying YMCA”
A key part of the day was the visit to Flight Club 502, where students met Flight Club 502 leaders. Iman Ghali, the Executive Director of Flight Club 502, welcomed the students to Flight Club 502 and gave them a personal tour of the facilities. Louisville Aviation instructors took groups of students on an hour-long discovery flight throughout the day.
Chief Pilot Stefan Brown, who got his private pilot license in 1998 and came to Flight Club 502 after retiring from GE, is passionate about mentoring. He described Flight Club 502 as a “Flying YMCA,” providing a safe space for kids.
For students interested in joining Flight Club 502, Stefan recommends taking a new member class. The four-hour introductory class provides an overview of the club. James Moore, JCPS Instructional Lead who organized the trip, also noted that Shawnee students can now come to Flight Club, where 6 hours of work will give them 1 hour of flight training.
This field trip exemplifies the Academies of Louisville’s commitment to providing career-themed learning experiences that connect the classroom to the real world. By partnering with organizations like Flight Club 502 and Louisville Aviation, the Academies are providing students with opportunities to explore potential career paths and gain valuable hands-on experience.
