Taking flight: Mira Loma High School showcases aviation CTE pathway

Mira Loma High School celebrated the next chapter in aviation education with a showcase of its aviation Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway and newly renovated classroom on Nov. 7. The event offered students, families, staff and community members a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology and immersive learning experiences now available in the program.

The upgraded classroom features state-of-the-art flight simulators, 3D printers, drones and airplane engines, giving students the tools to explore aviation in a fully immersive environment. 

During the showcase, students led live demonstrations of the equipment, shared their current projects and engaged visitors at each station. Attendees were able to see the students’ skills in action and hear directly about their experiences and aviation aspirations.

Principal Kaden Bahner highlighted the significance of the showcase.

“This showcase is especially exciting as we celebrate our newly renovated aviation classroom, featuring upgraded technology and flight simulators that give students a hands-on experience in aeronautics, engineering, and flight technology. These resources help prepare students for real-world careers in aviation and STEM fields.”

Students were enthusiastic about the new classroom and the educational experience it provides.

“My favorite part of the newly renovated classroom is the flight simulators,” said 11th grader Amy Lu. “I think they are such a cool piece of technology that opens a lot more opportunities to learn and get hands-on experience in flying planes. They are really realistic, and I think that’s really valuable.”

Board President Ben Avey addressed attendees, highlighting the broader impact of hands-on learning opportunities like the aviation CTE pathway.

“Aviation is so much more; it is engineering, it is problem solving, it is teamwork, it is an area of work that is so complex,” shared Avey. “When we teach children and teens about aviation, we are teaching them life skills that are going to help them in innumerable career paths and paths for education.”

The renovation of the aviation classroom was made possible through voter-approved bond funds, which allow the district to modernize classrooms and create learning environments that equip students for the future.

Mira Loma High School was proud to showcase the achievements of its aviation CTE pathway and the unique learning experiences it provides. The program is part of a broader district-wide commitment to career and technical education. San Juan Unified offers more than 30 pathways across 13 industry sectors at its high schools, giving students practical learning experiences and skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

San Juan Unified remains dedicated to expanding innovative CTE programs that empower students with knowledge, experience, and confidence. To learn more about our CTE programs, please visit sanjuan.edu/cte.