Over the past decade, the Tango Flight program has inspired students across the country to pursue careers in aviation, aerospace, and engineering. From earning pilot licenses in high school to launching careers in maintenance, engineering, and military service, these stories highlight the powerful impact of hands-on aviation education.
Student Achievements & Alumni Pathways
Sealy ISD (Texas)
- One student is currently enrolled at Schreiner University in Kerrville working toward a pilot’s license.
- Another earned a pilot’s license as a high school senior.
The district offers to connect others with these students.
— Dr. Brian Hallmark, Superintendent of Schools
Lebanon High School (New Hampshire)
In their first year of the Take Flight program:
- Six seniors graduated and went on to college.
- Two are studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Aerospace Science & Aeronautical Engineering).
- Others are attending:
- Dartmouth College (Engineering)
- University of Pittsburgh (Mechanical Engineering)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Aeronautical Engineering)
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Aeronautical Engineering)
Additional highlights:
One student earned a pilot’s license before graduation and is pursuing an instrument rating.
Plans to fly a Vans RV-12iS.
— Bonnie Robinson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Pryor High School (Oklahoma)
A strong and growing aviation pipeline includes:
- 3 Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs)
- 3 future A&P mechanics (accepted into Tulsa Tech Riverside Campus)
- 3 college aviation/aerospace students (OU & Oklahoma State)
- 1 graduate working at NORDAM (hired directly after high school)
- Additional hires and transitions between work and A&P training
- A junior on track to earn a private pilot certificate before graduation
- 4 FAA Part 107 certified drone pilots
The program has grown since 2017, with Tango Flight playing a key role in expanding career pathways.
—Dr. Jenny Peters, Tango Flight Instructor
Cleveland High School (Texas)
Recent outcomes include:
- 15 in A&P Tech Schools
- 2 A&P mechanics at United Airlines
- 25 students training as pilots
- Drone careers (Paladin Drones, Aerobe,)
- 12 students in aerospace engineering programs
- 1 student started an A&P shop
- Drone delivery pilots at Amazon (3) and Walmart (5)
- 3 working as CFIs
- 2 conducting pipeline inspections in Cessna 172s
- Additional technical and repair roles locally
— Brian Stafford, Licensed A&P, Tango Flight Instructor
Connecticut Programs (Bassick HS & AITE, Stamford)
- One student working as airport line crew and mentoring others
- Valedictorian pursuing A&P certification
- One student working toward a pilot career with nonprofit-supported training
— David Paqua, Mentor
Texas High School (Texas)
- 1 student attending University of Central Arkansas to become a pilot
- 4 total graduates in recent years pursuing aviation careers
— Don E. Broyles, Teacher
Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Oklahoma)
- 1 graduate joined the U.S. Navy and works on F-18 Super Hornet jet engines
— Jeremy Ralston, Teacher
Flour Bluff High School (Texas)
- Two former students earned pilot licenses after participating in Tango Flight
— Amy Seeds, Principal
Cleveland High School (Tennessee)
- Multiple students accepted into Middle Tennessee State University aviation programs
— Jeffrey A. Garrett, Teacher
Midway High School (Texas)
- 5 students studying engineering
- 1 enlisting in the Air Force with plans for aviation maintenance
— Brady Gibson, Teacher
Alumni Spotlights
Emily Moore
- Earned A&P certificates, commercial pilot license, and instrument rating
- Junior at Stephen F. Austin State University (Environmental Science)
- Aspires to work with NOAA or NASA
Aidan Guidici
- Earned A&P license
- Worked 4 years at a San Antonio flight school
- Pursuing Inspection Authorization
- Transitioning to teaching A&P students at a technical college
Kelsey Krupicka
- Aerospace Engineering graduate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Completed internships with Gulfstream, Collins Aerospace, and VerdeGo Aero
- Earned Master’s In-Flight Test Engineering (National Test Pilot School)
- Now a Flight Test Engineer at Joby Aviation
- Over 60 hours of flight test experience
Mentorship Impact
Robert Reese (Mentor)
- 10 years mentoring Tango Flight Students
- Transitioned to be a mentor after retirement in 2018
- Has supported 7 aircraft builds in Georgetown
- Consults regularly with other Tango Flight schools, particularly difficult electrical issues.
Conclusion
From first flights to full careers, Tango Flight has helped students:
- Build real aircraft
- Earn certifications early
- Transition directly into aviation careers
- Pursue advanced degrees and specialized roles
The impact is clear: hands-on experience doesn’t just teach—it launches futures. Excited to see what the next 10th year brings.
