Aviation - Ages 6-10 (Thursdays)

A 6-Week Aviation Exploration Course Offered in partnership with The Homeschool Hangar and taught by pilot Jeff Passantino, this hands-on aviation course introduces students ages 6 and up to the exciting world of flight. Students will learn how airplanes work through experiments, real aircraft observation, aviation history, weather studies, and basic navigation skills. Activities are tailored by age group so younger and older learners can explore aviation at their level while still learning together. Throughout the course, students will build their own Flight Logbook to record experiments, sketch aircraft, track weather, and reflect on what they learn, just like real pilots.

What Students Will Learn

• The four forces of flight, including lift, thrust, drag, and gravity
• How airplane design allows aircraft to overcome gravity
• The main parts and basic systems of an airplane
• How pilots plan routes and navigate using maps, compasses, and landmarks
• How weather impacts flight and safety decisions
• Different aviation careers and the training paths they require
• Important events, innovations, and aviators in aviation history

Discovery Flight (Optional Add-On, $200)

Families may choose to add a Discovery Flight, a supervised introductory flight experience with pilot Jeff Passantino. Students will sit in the cockpit, observe real flight instruments, and experience what it feels like to fly a small aircraft. This experience reinforces what they have learned in class and gives them a real pilot's perspective.

• Add it to your registration for $200 on top of the $400 course tuition
• Scheduled directly with Core Aviator Training during week 4
• Parent or guardian must be present on flight day

Tuition: $400 per student for the 6-week session, includes all materials. The Discovery Flight is an optional $200 add-on you can select when you register.

Meet Your Instructor

Jeff Passantino is a Certified Flight Instructor with a deep passion for aviation and a commitment to helping students become safe, confident pilots. Before pursuing a career in aviation, Jeff was drafted by The Chicago Cubs out of Lipscomb University and also later played for The Pittsburgh Pirates, where he developed the discipline, work ethic, and leadership skills that continue to shape his approach to instruction today. A graduate of Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida, Jeff brings a strong foundation of dedication and perseverance to every lesson. As a flight instructor, he enjoys sharing his knowledge, building pilot confidence, and helping students achieve their aviation goals. Outside of flying, Jeff is a family man and proud new father to his son, Leo. Whether in the cockpit or at home, he values continuous learning, personal growth, and creating meaningful experiences with those around him. Jeff's goal is to make flight training both enjoyable and effective, providing students with the skills and confidence needed for success in aviation.

Schedule

Thu | Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12 (2026) 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM 6 meetings

Location

Experimental Aircraft Association at Page Field Airport, Fort Myers, FL

Tuition Policy

Tuition reflects full-session enrollment and covers materials, instructor planning, and scheduling. The Homeschool Hangar does not offer proration or refunds for late starts, absences, or withdrawals. The Homeschool Hangar is a Step Up Direct Pay Provider. Families can reserve their scholarship funds for all classes through their EMA account.