Air and Space Education Institute
Big South Fork Aerospace Academy
@McCreary County Airport (18I)
Courses of Study
Aerospace Pathways
With a premiere aerospace lab, staff, and volunteers our students progress from exploring ALL aerospace pathways before narrowing their focus on the ONE!
Aeronautics/Flight
Students can complete their private pilot written exam, pre-solo flight, and even earn their private pilot certificate.
Aerospace Engineering
Students can learn concepts, skills, and processes in aeronautical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Aircraft Maintenance
Students learn skills and earn experience in aircraft maintenance technology. They can earn their certificate by apprenticing with local shop and/or earn A&P with Somerset Technical College.
Space Science
Students learn concepts relating to nano-satellite development, mission operations, payload delivery, and other astronautical engineering applications.
How We Work
How to join…
01
Come in for a tour and talk.
Contact us for a tour of the facility. You will explore our state of the art aerospace labs, our maintenance hangar, aircraft, and the McCreary County Airport.
02
Sign Up and Access Online Content.
The knowledge and hands-on labs are facilitated through an online course management system called Moodle. Students use this tool to document their work.
03
Attend labs regularly!
Whether it is a flight simulator lab, building rockets, restoring and repairing aircraft or flying unmanned aerial vehicles. There is never a dull moment at the Big South Fork Aerospace Academy.
Testimonials
Our Students and Parents…
“Great Opportunity”
This is such a great opportunity for our youth. My grandson has been participating for a couple of years and is learning so much.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Sharon Hayes
“Partnerships”
I know, it’s a great program. I told Tim Smith that our high school school be partnering with him and offering this program as a CTE pathway. So much opportunity and potential for our kiddos through this program.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Holly Daugherty
“It all started with a flight…”
It exposes our youth to a very interesting career. I grew up in McCreary county and enjoyed a 42 year career in aviation flying military, corporate, and airline aircraft. It all started with a flight with my uncle in a Piper J3 cub many years ago.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Doug Boggs
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do I have to attend every week?
No, you can work your lab time into your schedule. We are very flexible with time. Once you have finished a course of study, you can move to the next one.
Who can participate in the academy?
The BSFAA is open to students (public, private, and homeschool) in the region that is interested in aerospace. So, it does not matter if you live close or a distance away. The labs are open every weekend.
What age can I start?
If you are a mature and responsible student, you can start in the 7th grade. You have opportunity to finish 2 pathways if you start in the 7th grade. Otherwise, a 9th grade start is common.
How much does it cost?
Our work is FREE for families. The real cost is time. You need to dedicate time to complete labs and tasks required for completing each course.
How many courses are there?
Students at a minimum will complete 4 courses. A two year exploratory course of study is required before declaring a specific pathway. Then, students complete two courses that are specific to their chosen aerospace pathway to deepen understanding.
College credit and/or certifications?
Yes, you can earn college credit and/or certifications based on your aerospace pathway of choice. For example, student in flight/aero can earn up to 9 college credits from most universities that offer flight programs.
Need additional assistance?
Having trouble finding the information you need? Ask a question!