Monday, October 17, 2011

Eyes on the skies

Photo Credit:  FRED BELLET
Daniel Beavers, 16, is the first student in Robinson High's aerospace technology program to enroll in flight training and fly solo.

Thanks to an anonymous grant, a junior in Robinson High's unique aerospace technology program is on schedule to earn his pilot's license before he even lands his diploma.

Daniel Beavers soloed last month and has logged more than half the hours of flight time required for the private pilot license.

Graduating from the classroom's flight simulator to the controls of a single-engine Cessna marked a milestone for the 16-year-old Beavers, as well as for Robinson's program, known as the MacDill Aeronautical Academy.

It is the first time a student in the program has enrolled in flight training and soloed, an achievement made possible by the grant, worth an estimated $6,000.

Beavers, who said he became interested in flying when he was in sixth grade, chose Robinson High because of its aerospace program. The teen lives in Riverview, so his school day begins with his dad, John, driving him to the South Tampa school at 6311 S. Lois Ave. The teen returns home on a school bus provided for him and other International Baccalaureate program students.

The aerospace technology course, launched at Robinson in 2002, is the only program of its kind in Hillsborough County's public schools. It provides select students with an in-depth look at aerospace technology.

But, for Beavers, no amount of book learning compares with the real thing. "It's just an unexplainable experience just to be up in the air and knowing you have control of an airplane," he said.

He also likes to travel so, understandably, is eyeing a career as a commercial pilot, either for an airline or at the controls of a corporate jet.

Beavers is considering enrolling in the aerospace program at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, after graduating from Robinson in 2013. That would put him on track to finish college with his commercial pilot license.

http://www2.tbo.com

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