Pryor High School aviation students recently had the opportunity to learn how they can earn free flight hours and kickstart their aviation careers through the United States Air Force. Major Karrissa Goeken, an MQ-9 Reaper pilot and founder of Wings Like Eagles, visited the school to share her journey in aviation and highlight the pathways students can take to gain valuable flight experience—at no cost to them.
Organized by Dr. Jenny Peters and Tami Rowland, aviation instructors at Pryor High, the presentation emphasized the AIM HIGH Flight Academy, a free program offered by the U.S. Air Force. This unique opportunity allows full-time high school and college students to earn up to 15 flight hours, experience solo flights, and receive one-on-one mentorship from Air Force aviators for free. Major Goeken encouraged students to take advantage of this program, noting that it is an excellent first step for anyone interested in flight.
Applications for the next AIM HIGH Flight Academy session open on September 1, 2025, providing students ample time to prepare for this life-changing opportunity.
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In addition to AIM HIGH, Major Goeken and Dr. Peters highlighted other ways students can gain flight experience, such as the Civil Air Patrol, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). These programs help students log flight hours and offer mentorship and hands-on learning in the aviation field.
During her visit, Major Goeken discussed her duties as a Reaper pilot, operating one of the largest unmanned aircraft in the military. She shared how her missions involve piloting unmanned aircraft which are located on different continents than her ground control station. This advanced technology, she explained, requires a highly skilled team and is central to modern aviation.
Dr. Peters stressed that the Air Force is a great way to gain experience, noting many pilots transition to highly lucrative careers in defense contracting or start their own companies after their service. "This industry is growing, and the opportunities are endless,” said Dr. Peters.
Pryor High School’s aviation program offers additional advanced opportunities for students to expand their skills. At the Innovation Center, students in Aviation IV can build an RV-12 sport plane or participate in drone racing. These advanced courses introduce students to a wide array of engineering concepts, including aerospace, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering. Students also learn about aircraft fundamentals, avionics, maintenance, inspection, and structure assembly, providing them with a comprehensive foundation in aviation and aerospace technologies.
As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, Pryor High students need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue their dreams of taking flight.