Flight Training for High School Students
Earn your private pilot certificate before you graduate. Lee's Summit students in the STA Aerospace Academy can train with us at the same airport and start college flight programs a semester to almost a year ahead.
Our Partnership
STA Aerospace Academy
Summit Technology Academy (STA) is the Lee's Summit R-7 School District's campus for high school juniors. Its Aerospace Academy is now based at our airport, in the back half of the new FBO hangar on the other side of the field.
Students come out for a morning or afternoon session. During the year they earn their drone certificate, finish private pilot ground school, and take the FAA written test. That's about a dozen college credits.
Once ground school is done, STA students can do their private pilot flight training with us at the same airport where they go to class.
From STA to the Flight Deck
Students who finish their private pilot certificate in high school start college with it already done.
- 1 Aerospace Academy at STA:
- Earn your drone certificate, complete private pilot ground school, and pass the FAA written test and pick up about a dozen college credits.
- 2 Private Pilot Training at Summit:
- Fly with our instructors at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport and earn your Private Pilot Certificate.
- 3 Arrive at College Ahead:
- Take a proficiency check when you start a university flight program and go straight to instrument training. That's a semester to almost a year ahead, since some programs haven't been able to finish private pilot training in one semester lately.
Success Stories
Colby Cook's Journey
Colby Cook shares his journey to becoming a private pilot at Summit Flight Academy. As a high school student, Kolby discovered his passion for aviation and decided to pursue his private pilot certificate. Watch his story to learn more about the private pilot training program and the steps to becoming a private pilot.
Success Stories
Private Pilot in Seven Months
Logan started his training in July 2023 and earned his Private Pilot Certificate in just seven months. He's now working on his instrument rating and wants to become an aerospace engineer or an airline pilot.
Success Stories
From 16-Year-Old Student to Flight Instructor
Katia Van Horn started flying at 16. She kept adding ratings and became a Certified Flight Instructor, and now she teaches student pilots at Summit.
Training That Fits a School Schedule
Pick a private pilot pace that works around classes, sports, and everything else.
- 1 Extended Program:
- 1-2 lessons a week over nine months. This is what works for most students during the school year.
- 2 Efficient Program:
- Five months, flying 2-3 times a week.
- 3 Expedited Program:
- Full time for three months. Good for summer break.
After High School
Where Your Certificate Takes You Next
A private pilot certificate is the first step. From there, students go on to the instrument rating, commercial certificate, and airline or career tracks, all available here at Summit.
Training Program
Private Pilot Training
The starting point in all pilot journeys. Earn your Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) and gain the authority to operate aircraft for personal and leisure flights.
Training Program
Instrument Rating
Navigate challenging weather conditions and expand your range. Learn to fly using ground-based navigation and flight instruments exclusively.
Training Program
Commercial Pilot Training
Make flying your career and earn a living from your passion. Precision becomes paramount as you master stricter standards for professional aviation.
Questions from Parents and Students
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You can take lessons with an instructor at any age. Under FAA rules, you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo in an airplane and 17 years old to take the checkride for your Private Pilot Certificate. Starting in high school means you can solo as soon as you turn 16 and take your checkride at 17. Learn more in our article on whether you're too young to learn to fly.
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STA's Aerospace Academy, part of the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, is located in the new FBO hangar at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport. Juniors complete their drone certificate, private pilot ground school, and FAA written test through STA. They can then complete their private pilot flight training at Summit Flight Academy.
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Yes. STA Aerospace Academy students can earn about a dozen college credits, and some schools accept them as transfer credit. Students who finish their private pilot certificate before college can take a proficiency check and move on to the instrument portion of a university flight program, putting them a semester to almost a year ahead. Some university programs haven't been able to get students through private pilot training in one semester lately, so showing up with the certificate already done saves a lot of time. Our Purdue Global partnership also offers a flexible degree option after high school.
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Our expedited program is a full-time effort for three months, which works well over the summer. Our efficient program is designed to be completed in five months, flying 2-3 times a week. Our extended program is designed for 1-2 lessons per week over nine months, which fits best alongside a school schedule.
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Yes. Student pilots need an FAA medical certificate before they can fly solo. Schedule the exam early so it doesn't hold up your first solo. Read our FAA medical certificate guide for student pilots for details.
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We have training packages and a few financing options. See our financing page for details, and our insurance page for renter's insurance for student pilots.
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Book a discovery flight. Your student flies with one of our instructors and takes the controls. It's the easiest way to find out if they like it before signing up for a full program.
