SAN ANTONIO — 12 high school students from across the nation are in San Antonio learning how to fly and launch their careers in aviation.
This is a part of the Aim High Flight Academy, a new partnership between UTSA and the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command.
The academy is a three week program where students stay at UTSA and train at the Stinson-Mission municipal airport.
U.S. Air Force First Lieutenant Adrian Sanchez-Barbosa says the program focuses on aviation, inspiration, and mentorship.
"What I do here is help mentor them through the process of possibly flying and selling them, as well as all the possibilities and angles that they can take to possibly become a United States Air Force pilot," said Sanchez-Barbosa.
The program is using three planes to train the students in pairs to complete daily assignments.
Lucas Innocenzi is one of the students who came here from Westhaven, Utah and says he's soaking up the knowledge.
"It's a great opportunity to get to get behind the pilots and get some hours in, and hopefully continue solo," said Innocenzi.
This is a free experience for the students and they were selected out from 2,000 applicants.
Madelyn Bushong came here from Dothan, Alabama and says this experience will help her in her future.
"I want to I want to be as much help to my country as possible, but I also wanna fly. So obviously, going to the military would be one of the best options for me," said Bushong.
By the end of this program the students will have earned 15 flight hours giving them a head start in their futures.
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