MHS adds new Aviation course

A new class is “taking off” this fall  at Madison High School. Students have a chance to learn about different aspects of flight and aviation through a new Aviation course.  Madison High School principal Adam Shaw and the course’s instructor Danny Frisby-Griffin led Madison Central School Board members on a tour Monday, that included a look at the aviation simulator, drones, and other materials involved with the semester-long course.  

Shaw said the district’s interest in the course started a few years ago and some administrators visited a similar course being done in Canby, Minnesota.  From there, Shaw said he tried to get grants to fund the course, but when those were not funded, he said the district decided to go ahead and take on the costs of establishing the course.  After instructor Frisby-Griffin was hired and the equipment bought, Shaw said the course was able to get off the ground this fall.  

Shaw said that through a partnership with Riggin Flight Service at the Madison Airport, students who complete the course can take the FAA Part 107 test there and they will waive the testing fee.  

Shaw said that currently the Aviation course is only being offered in the fall semester, and whether that will expand next year will depend on the enrollment.   

Shaw said that coming up the high school will also be offering other new courses.

The new Aviation course is open to Madison junior and senior students.