STEAM Connect Pop-up Aviation Careers with Hillsboro Aero Academy

12.17.2025: Our latest STEAM Connect Pop-Up took us behind the scenes at the Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA). With a fleet of nearly 80 aircraft operating at Oregon’s busiest general aviation airport (KHIO) as our backdrop, our “Next Gen Pros” got a front-row seat to the world of aviation career pathways.

The Heart of the Hangar: Maintenance & Math

Led by Maintenance Director Nate VanDeMark, our tour started in the shop. We dove deep into the AMP (Aviation Maintenance Professional) pathway.

Key Highlights:

• Hands-on Sleuthing: Students used technical documentation to troubleshoot spark plug issues.
• The Magneto Challenge: We learned about the importance of a teardown, part replacement, and how the rigorous timing test of a plane’s 2 Magnetos are performed. The testing framework vividly demonstrated how a plane generates its sparks for firing the engines.
• Math in Action: When asked about school subjects important for his career, Nate smirked and responded, “I still use SOH CAH TOA“, explaining how trigonometry is sometimes essential for precision sheet metal cutting during airframe repairs. (Cue the student head-slaps!)
• The Future of Flight: Nate discussed the shift toward electric planes, including the eBeaver retrofit, but also shared the engineering challenge of battery weight versus fuel efficiency from traditional piston-based aircraft.

From Dispatch to the Flight Deck

After the hangar, our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) took us through the operational nerve center of HAA:

• Dispatch: Where pilots are assigned planes and analyze weather patterns.
• The Debrief: We saw where students learn from their CFIs, reviewing their flight actions and communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• The Simulators: We toured FAA-certified simulators where trainees are instructed and practice emergency procedures before doing them in the air. HAA also had set up four Microsoft Flight Simulator stations where our students got to test their wings—resulting in some successful landings and a few “spectacular” crashes!

Around the classrooms, we learned that flight training revolves around building knowledge about: Airframe, Powerplant, and General. General covers a very broad set of topics, including safety, laws and ground operations, weight and balance, and so much more. It seems that most time will be studying in this area.

Up Close with the Cessna 172

Outside, Maddie demonstrated a walk-around inspection of a Cessna 172, inspecting fully the airframe, including moving and non-moving airframe components/systems and sensors. It was eye-opening to see how the flaps are controlled entirely by physical wires and pullies rather than hydraulics or motors. We were also encouraged to stick our head inside the cockpit to view the controls.

Pathways to the Skies: From Zero to Professional

Back in the classroom, Keren Williams shared that you can start your journey at HAA with zero experience. Whether you want to turn wrenches or take the controls, there is a clear path forward.

Aviation Maintenance (AMT)

Aviation Maintenance students at HAA focus on a 12-month program leading to the essential FAA “A&P” certification.

Flight Training

The academy curriculum guides students through the following progression:

• Private Pilot (PPL): Your foundation in flight.
• Instrument Rating (IR): Mastery of all-weather flying.
• Commercial Certificate: Single and Multi-engine qualifications.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): The key to your first professional job.

Choose Your Pace: Choose an accelerated 14-month program for a fast track to the cockpit, or the standard 18-month program for a more traditional pace.

The Goal: As a CFI, you’ll gain the professional experience and flight hours needed to reach the 1,500-hour requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

Industry Partnerships that Pay Off

A major highlight was learning about HAA’s partnership with Alaska and Horizon Airlines. For qualified students, these airlines may pay for a significant portion of training costs, creating a direct and affordable pipeline into a career with a major carrier and the ATP certification.

🔄 The “Non-Linear” Career Journey

Perhaps the most impactful moment was hearing from our guides—Nate, Katie, and Maddi. Not one of them started out with aviation as their first goal! Their paths to the hangar and the cockpit took them through:

• Bio-engineering
• Pre-med/Neurosurgery
• Real Estate
• Pharmacy
• Teaching

Their stories showed our nextGen STEAM pros that it’s never too late to pivot into STEAM. Our guides showed how aviation careers are achievable by all and can be very rewardarding.

A Massive Thank You

A huge thanks to the four HAA staff members who spent over 90 minutes inspiring our group. You didn’t just show us planes; you showed us a future.

Thank you Hillsboro Aero Academy!