Aviation & Aerospace Courses
District Supervisor of Career & Technical Education: Mr. Keith Bigora, kbigora@mhrd.org
District Supervisor of Career & Technical Education: Mr. Keith Bigora, kbigora@mhrd.org
The Morris Hills Regional District offers a unique program that focuses on career pathways in Aviation. As veteran pilots and aviation specialists retire, the country is facing a critical shortage in the industry. Boeing predicts that 612,000 new pilots and 626,000 new aviation maintenance technicians will be needed in North America by 2040. Our sequence consists of a series of classes that focus on two career pathways, piloted flight and unmanned aerial flight (UAS).
For more information, please contact:
Keith Bigora, kbigora@mhrd.org
Aviation Program Coordinator and Supervisor of Career and Technical Education
INTRO TO AVIATION (SC212)
5 credits, Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12; Counts towards science graduation requirement. Prerequisites: Preference will be given to 9th grade students interested in pursuing the CTE sequence. 9th graders must be co-enrolled in Environmental Science or Biology. Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students
This is the first year course in our redesigned Aviation Program. Students will learn about the engineering process, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible. They will look at the problem-solving strategies and innovative leaps that took space exploration from the unimaginable to the common in a single generation. Students will explore the classifications of aircraft, how aircraft are made, avionics/instrumentation, flight controls, aircraft design, propulsion, and the forces of flight. Students will also accrue simulator time throughout the course.
ADVANCED AVIATION (SC221)
5 credits, Grade 10, 11, or 12; Prerequisites: Intro to Aviation (SC212); preference will be given to 10th-grade students interested in pursuing the 3-year Aviation & Aerospace sequence. Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students
Explore aviation essentials in this comprehensive course for aspiring pilots. Covering Aviation Weather Theory, Airport Operations, Aeronautical Charts, Aircraft Performance, Aeromedical Factors, Aeronautical Decision Making, and FAA regulations, the program provides a streamlined yet thorough understanding of crucial topics. From weather phenomena to airport communication, navigation techniques, and regulatory overviews, this course ensures students acquire essential knowledge for a successful and safe aviation career.
DRONE AND UAS TECHNOLOGY (SC231)
5 credits, Grade 10, 11, or 12; Prerequisites: Intro to Aviation (SC212); preference will be given to 10th-grade students interested in pursuing the 3-year Aviation & Aerospace sequence. Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students
This comprehensive course provides an intensive exploration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology, focusing on the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of modern drone technologies. Students will examine critical areas including UAS regulations, FAA licensing requirements, remote flight fundamentals, and the ethical considerations surrounding unmanned aerial operations. The curriculum offers in-depth training on advanced topics such as National Airspace System governance, airport classifications, weather impact analysis, and remote flight guidelines for drone operations. Participants will gain practical expertise in digital photogrammetry, learning advanced remote sensing techniques, data collection methodologies, and specialized computer programs for aerial imaging and mapping. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on technical skills, this course prepares students to navigate the complex technological and regulatory landscape of drone and unmanned aerial systems. As of the 2025-2026 school year, this course is eligible for dual enrollment credit from Warren County Community College.