Curious about aviation but don’t know where to start? Then Aeronautical Explorations is for you! 

Aeronautical Explorations (AE) is a three-week high school career and technical education (CTE) summer program for Washington State rising 9th–12th graders who are, or might be, interested in a future in the aviation industry and are curious to explore the different career pathways available. Students will be exposed to aviation careers including air traffic control, airline dispatch, professional pilot, airport management, unmanned aerial systems and more. 

All at no cost! 

Experience aviation up close in this hands-on program, where students meet and learn from a diverse lineup of aviation industry professionals and educators. Dive into real-world projects—team up to research major airlines and create presentations, try their hand at flying drones, and even design their own airport. Students will also gain access to the Museum’s state-of-the-art Aviation Learning Center simulator lab. 

Aeronautical Explorations will give you a strong foundation in aviation, so you can stand out and succeed no matter which career path you choose.


Note: Because this is a public school class, we are only able to serve Washington State residents.

Program Information:

Dates: June-July (2026 dates coming this spring)
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; Monday-Friday
Location: The Museum of Flight and Raisbeck Aviation High School (adjacent to the Museum)
Age: Rising 9th-12th grade students (must be a resident of Washington State)

Note: Participants must provide their own transportation to and from The Museum of Flight.

Program Fee: No Cost
Credits: Participants will receive .5 high school CTE credits through the Puget Sound Skills Center (To qualify, participants cannot miss more than two days of class.)


Why Should You Apply?

  • You will have the opportunity to earn high school credit. 
  • You will develop professional skills such as public speaking, researching, and building a presentation. 
  • You will meet and network with diverse aviation professionals such as pilots, airport managers, business owners, and aircraft mechanics who will help introduce you to the many aviation career opportunities and next steps. 
  • You will get hands-on in our state-of-the-art flight simulation lab and experience Museum opportunities, such as galleries, exhibits, and behind the scenes tours. 
  • You will learn how to operate a drone and work as a team to build and fly obstacle courses. You will also receive help to prepare for the FAA Commercial Drone Part 107 Exam, if that is your goal. 
  • You will receive a complimentary Connections educational membership for unlimited admission to the Museum (until age 19). 
  • You will become eligible to apply for Museum of Flight scholarships.


NOTE: Aeronautical Explorations is not a summer camp. 

AE is a formal credit-bearing high school career and technical education (CTE) summer school course run through the Puget Sound Skills Center. This means participation in this program is reflected on your transcript and will impact your overall GPA. The program includes graded tests, quizzes, and projects and is equivalent to a semester-long course. Students must attend class daily for the entire day; you are able to miss up to two days before receiving a non-passing grade. If you know that you will not be able to attend the course in its entirety, you should evaluate if you want to participate in the program to ensure it will not show up as a non-passing grade on your transcript.

How to Apply:

Applications for Summer 2026 will open this spring. To be added to the interest list for Summer 2026, please email AeroExplorations@museumofflight.org.