Flight simulator to pilot's license

A Columbus (Miss.) High School student climbs into a seat with a view of the Columbus-Lowndes County Airport stretched out in front of him.

He flips switches and makes final checks before taking off down that virtual runway. In moments, the student is flying above regional landmarks. 

It's all part of a new flight simulator based inside the school's Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) classroom.

“It’s amazing for me just having a dream of being a pilot, and with the flight simulator you can kind of get a head start on what it’s like,” rising sophomore Collin Moore told The Dispatch.

JROTC senior instructor Major Allen Williams has just finished his first school year as CHS and wants students to know that the sky’s the limit. 

He's also preparing for a program that will give 17-year-olds their private pilot’s licenses and 16-year-olds to receive their drone licenses. Step one was getting drones and a flight simulator into the classroom. 

The 3-screen Redbird mid-level simulator is certified by the FAA. 

There's obvious interest statewide in developing more defense- and aviation-related industries, says Williams, and wants to expose those industries to students to keep them home for the future workforce. 

Williams wants students to know there are opportunities in the Golden Triangle and Southeast in the aerospace industry. 

Williams will be hosting an aviation day camp - open to 25 sixth-through-ninth grade stduents at no cost - from July 11-15. (The Dispatch 06/08/23) New flight simulator gives CHS students first step toward getting pilot’s license - The Dispatch (cdispatch.com)