California homeschoolers soar to new heights with customized airport tour, intro to aviation careers

One enterprising mom in California capitalized on her son’s curiosity about airplanes to organize a special field trip: a customized airport tour just for homeschoolers.

“It was a blessing that we finally got a response,” Melissa Carrillo told Gannett’s Victorville Daily Press. “I just want to keep pushing these kids – whether it’s aviation or anything else in life. I want them to see all the different avenues their careers can take.” 

The tour, which took place at Apple Valley Airport in San Bernardino County, provided students a “hands-on immersion in aviation careers and technology,” according to the article. 

Students learned about multiple educational resources and programs, including the nonprofit Millionaire Minds Kids offering an aviation summer academy. 

However, nothing topped the hands-on experience of seeing aircraft controls firsthand, according to county officials. 

“One of the most exciting stops was inside the hangar of the California Highway Patrol’s Inland Division Air Operations, where students got a close-up look at the H-82 helicopter and Air83 aircraft. Mechanics and CHP officers explained how the aircraft supports medevac and emergency response missions throughout the county.” 

‘Career-driven education that helps our kids see what’s possible’ 

Teresa “Tess” Cook, Apple Valley Airport manager, praised the homeschool community for proactively exposing their children to future career pathways. 

“I didn’t grow up around aviation, and I often think about how different my path might’ve been if I’d had access to experiences like this early on,” she said. “That’s why I’m so proud that our airport is prepared and excited to support opportunities like this. You never know which moment will spark a lifelong passion in a future pilot, engineer or airport manager.” 

Carrillo agrees, noting her son Evan inspired her to reach out directly to the county when he asked, “How about we do a field trip about airplanes?” 

“This is career-driven education that helps our kids see what’s possible and envision themselves in those paths,” she said. 

Additionally, students visited with representatives from Chalk 2 – a company supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, the article notes. 

“The pilots encouraged students to enroll in ground school and prepare for their private pilot’s license as early as age 15,” the Daily Press reported. 

Fellow homeschoolers in Colorado are on a similar career trajectory. As previously reported by The Lion, one homeschool student worked to obtain his private pilot’s license while still in high school. 

The program started through Richelle McKim’s Summit Homeschool Academy, which has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to offer an aviation pathway for students in grades 10-12. 

“She started a program for me, and the rest is history,” said Richelle’s son, Bryson. “I feel very special, and I think it’s really cool, and it gives a lot of people opportunities, and not just me, which I think is amazing.” 

Photo credit: The Flight Test Historical Foundation