middle school students looking on as a man shows them the helicopter

Seventh grade students from Cane River and East Yancey Middle Schools recently participated in a Student Aviation Expo held at the Avery County Airport. The event offered students an engaging, hands-on introduction to the world of aviation, complementing their current studies in the Flight and Space unit of the Project Lead the Way curriculum.

students looking on as a man operates a drone

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to explore a variety of aircraft and hear from guest speakers representing diverse sectors of the aviation industry. A highlight of the event was a drone demonstration conducted by the Yancey County Sheriff's Office, during which students were invited to operate the drone under supervision—an exciting, real-world application of emerging aviation technology.

a group of men standing behind a table speaking to a group of students

The expo provided a unique and valuable learning experience, giving students direct exposure to aviation concepts and careers. As they advance to Mountain Heritage High School, students interested in pursuing this dynamic field will have the opportunity to enroll in aviation courses and further explore potential career pathways in aerospace and related industries.