Join Waypoint Youth
Aviation Academy
Waypoint Youth Aviation Academy gives young people the opportunity to explore aviation through hands-on lessons, flight simulation, real-world aviation experiences, and an introductory flight with a certified flight instructor.Our four-week monthly programs are designed to make aviation education exciting, approachable, and meaningful. Each month focuses on a different aviation topic inspired by the FAA Airman Certification Standards, helping students build real foundational knowledge while discovering the many possibilities available within the aviation industry.
No previous aviation experience is required.Empowerment Scholarships are accepted.
No previous aviation experience is required.Empowerment Scholarships are accepted.
How our monthly program works
One aviation focus
Each month introduces a different aviation topic based on knowledge areas found within the FAA Airman Certification Standards.
Lessons are adapted to make complex aviation concepts engaging and understandable for young learners.
Four Weeks of Instruction
Students meet once each week for four weeks.
Each class builds upon the previous lesson through interactive instruction, group activities, simulator practice, demonstrations, and aviation-based challenges.
Discovery flight included
Every four-week registration includes a Discovery Flight with a certified flight instructor.
The Discovery Flight gives students the opportunity to connect what they learned during the program to a real aircraft and flight environment.
Flights are completed separately from the weekly classes and are subject to weather, aircraft, instructor, parent, and student availability.
Flights are completed separately from the weekly classes and are subject to weather, aircraft, instructor, parent, and student availability.
Program tuition
3 different tiers
- EXPLORER CLASSSingle class drop-in (2 hours)$100
- One 2-hour aviation lesson
- Hands-on STEM activities
- Flight simulator experience
- Take-home learning materials
- Great for students wanting to explore aviation
- We accept Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
- Monthly Academy4 classes + Discovery Flight$550
- Four weekly classes (2 hours each)
- Progressive curriculum
- Flight simulator training
- Hands-on activities and learning materials
- Certificate of completion
- One Discovery Flight (included)
- Save $60 compared to buying four individual classes
- We accept Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
- Payment plans may be available when arranged before the program begins, contact us to learn more
- Discovery FlightAdd-on program for Explorers$185
- $250 for all non-youth academy students
- Learn about the aircraft
- Participate in a preflight inspection
- Sit at the controls
- Observe airport operations
- Experience takeoff, flight, and landing
- Connect classroom concepts to the real flight environment
- Scheduled separately and may take place after the final weekly class
Monthly Program Topics
Program topics may rotate throughout the year based on student interest, instructor availability, and airport opportunities.
Flight Operations:Are curious about airplanes, airports, or flying
Airport Operations:Students learn how pilots move safely through an airport environment, including airport signs, runway markings, traffic patterns, and air traffic control.
Aviation Weather:Students learn how weather affects flight, how pilots evaluate conditions, and how clouds, wind, visibility, and atmospheric changes influence aviation decisions.
Navigation & Flight Planning:Students are introduced to sectional charts, routes, checkpoints, headings, distance, and the process pilots use to plan a flight.
Aircraft Systems:Students explore engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, cockpit instruments, and the importance of aircraft maintenance.
Radio Communication:Students practice the aviation phonetic alphabet, airport terminology, radio calls, and clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Pilot Safety & Decision-Making:Students learn how pilots identify risks, make safe decisions, respond to changing conditions, and prepare for unexpected situations.
Aviation CareersStudents explore careers including airline pilot, military aviation, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, engineering, airport operations, dispatch, aerospace, and more.
Upcoming youth events
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WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
Event Curriculum
2026
Academy Curriculum
September | Flight Foundations
Discover how airplanes fly! Students will learn the four forces of flight, basic aircraft anatomy, flight controls, and what it takes to become a pilot while getting their first hands-on experience with flight simulation.
October | Aircraft Systems & Preflight
Take a closer look inside an airplane. Students will explore aircraft systems, engines, cockpit instruments, and learn how pilots inspect an aircraft before every flight through real preflight demonstrations.
November | Airport Operations
Learn what happens before takeoff. Students will discover airport signs and markings, runway operations, traffic patterns, radio procedures, and how airports safely manage aircraft on the ground and in the air.
December | Aviation Weather
Can we safely fly today? Students will explore clouds, wind, visibility, weather hazards, and how pilots use weather information to make safe flight decisions.
Flight Simulator Experience
Take off, land, and fly in a simulator with instructor guidance.
2027
Academy Curriculum
January | Navigation & Flight Planning
Every flight begins with a plan. Students will learn how pilots use maps, sectional charts, headings, checkpoints, and basic flight planning to navigate from one airport to another.
February | Air Traffic Control & Communicaiton
Step into the world of air traffic control. Students will practice aviation radio communication, the phonetic alphabet, pilot phraseology, and gain a better understanding of how pilots and controllers work together.
March | Pilot Decision Making & Safety
Being a pilot means making smart decisions. Students will learn about risk management, emergency procedures, situational awareness, teamwork, and the responsibilities of being Pilot in Command.
April | Cross-Country Adventure
Put everything together! Students will plan and simulate a cross-country flight while learning about fuel planning, weight and balance, route selection, and preparing for longer flights.
May | Human Factors & Pilot Decision Making
The most important part of any aircraft isn't the airplane—it's the pilot. Students will learn how pilots make safe decisions, manage stress and distractions, recognize hazards, and work as a crew. Through interactive scenarios and team challenges, they'll discover how good judgment keeps every flight safe.
We're more than an aviation camp
We're a community!
Waypoint Youth Aviation Academy was created to give students more than a one-time introduction to airplanes.
Each four-week session allows students to explore one area of aviation in greater depth while building practical knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Students participate in age-appropriate lessons and activities that may include:
- Flight simulator instruction
- Aircraft systems and flight controls
- Aviation weather
- Airport operations
- Air traffic control and radio communication
- Sectional charts and navigation
- Flight planning
- Preflight procedures
- Pilot decision-making
- Aviation careers
- Guest speakers and airport experiences
Every monthly session connects classroom learning to real aviation.
Built Around Real Pilot Training
Waypoint’s youth curriculum is inspired by the FAA Airman Certification Standards used during pilot training.
Students are not expected to complete professional-level pilot coursework. Instead, the material is introduced in an age-appropriate format that allows students to experience authentic aviation concepts without feeling overwhelmed.
This structure also allows returning students to continue building their knowledge from month to month.
For students who decide to pursue flight training in the future, the program provides an early foundation and greater familiarity with the language, responsibilities, and expectations of aviation.
Learn about pricingWho can participate?
Waypoint Youth Aviation Academy is designed for students who:
Are curious about airplanes, airports, or flying
Are interested in science, technology, engineering, or math
Want to learn more about becoming a pilot
Enjoy hands-on learning
Are exploring future careers
Have already expressed a strong interest in aviation
Are between the ages of 9 - 18. This is the recommended age.
No prior flight experience or aviation knowledge is required.
Programs may be separated by age group when enrollment allows so that lessons and activities remain developmentally appropriate.
What Students will gain
Students will leave the program with more than aviation facts.
They will develop:
Learn about the yearly curriculumThey will develop:
- A stronger understanding of how airplanes and airports operate
- Exposure to real pilot training concepts
- Confidence asking questions and trying new skills
- Experience using a flight simulator
- Increased awareness of aviation and aerospace careers
- Communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills
- A clearer understanding of what it takes to become a pilot
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need aviation experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners as well as students who already have some aviation knowledge.
Is the Discovery Flight included?
Yes. One Discovery Flight is included with each completed four-week registration.
When will the Discovery Flight take place?
Flights are scheduled separately from weekly classes and may take place after the four-week session. Scheduling depends on weather, aircraft availability, instructor availability, and family availability.
Can parents stay during class?
Parent attendance policies may vary depending on the class location, available seating, and the age of the students. Additional information will be provided before the first class.
What happens if my child misses a class?
Because each class builds upon the previous week, attendance is strongly encouraged. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed, but available resources may be provided when possible.
What should students wear?
Students should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for airport, aircraft, or outdoor activities.
Are the programs the same every month?
No. Each month focuses on a different aviation topic. Returning students can continue building their knowledge by enrolling in multiple sessions.
Is this considered formal flight training?
The youth program provides introductory aviation education and experiences. It is not a replacement for formal flight training or an FAA-approved ground school.
Are scholarships available?
Limited scholarship or sponsored enrollment opportunities may be offered when funding is available. Join the Waypoint email list to receive announcements.
Meet the founder
I'm Miranda!
I’m Miranda Hinojosa, a Certified Flight Instructor, commercial pilot, and proud mother dedicated to helping others find their path in aviation.Long before I ever sat in the left seat of an airplane, I stood at the front of a classroom.
For several years, I worked as a middle school educator, where I discovered a passion for helping students build confidence, ask questions, and realize they were capable of more than they believed. Working with hundreds of students taught me that every child learns differently, and the most meaningful education happens when students are actively engaged—not simply listening to a lecture.
That philosophy became the foundation of Waypoint Youth Aviation Academy.
After leaving education to pursue aviation full-time, I earned my pilot certificates and became a Certified Flight Instructor. Today, I have the unique opportunity to combine two careers that have shaped who I am: education and aviation.
Every class I teach is intentionally designed with a teacher's mindset. Rather than memorizing facts, students solve problems, participate in hands-on activities, ask questions, work together, and experience aviation in ways that make learning exciting and memorable.
My goal isn't simply to teach children about airplanes—it's to help them build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and discover possibilities they may have never imagined for themselves.
Whether a student dreams of becoming a pilot, engineer, air traffic controller, or simply wants to learn something new, I want every child who walks through our doors to leave feeling inspired, capable, and excited about what they can achieve.
I believe the best education happens when curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and students feel genuinely supported. That's the environment I've worked to create at Waypoint Aviation, and I look forward to sharing it with every family who joins us.
Certified Flight Instructor
Former K-12 educator
Aviation mentor
First-generation pilot
Commercial pilot
Active in community