This summer is going to look a little different for two special students in the Charlotte area. Maya Charlton and Jadyn Dixon will complete an intensive eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation program at Delaware State University in Dover, DE. They will get the chance to get their FAA Private Pilot’s licenses upon completion of the training.
WHAT AND HOW?
Charlton is a student at Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail, NC, and Dixon attends South Iredell High School in Statesville, NC. This summer, the students will spend their time training from June 12 to August 5. According to a press release, Charlton and Dixon are just 2 of 20 participating students throughout the U.S. The program is to help increase diversity in naval aviation.
Meanwhile, each student will get to experience the training that would normally cost nearly $24,000 each for zero cost with no obligations. As a result of the program, each student will earn a private pilot certification/license and five college credits. The Summer Flight Academy program is for students participating in the Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“Maya Charlton and Jadyn Dixon have what it takes to be leaders in the field of aviation, and the Navy is honored to play a part in their personal and professional journeys,” says Commander Chris Williams, a Navy fighter pilot, instructor, and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Commander, Naval Air Force.
During the program, each will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and 49 hours of flight training. In addition, they will have to also complete 17 hours of solo flights. The Charlotte area is excited to see what the future holds for these two young students.
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