“Without them (CNH), I’d still be saying, ‘Hey guys, why don’t we start a drone program?’” Bucholtz said.
Drone curriculum will be added to existing aviation classes starting next school year.
One reason Horlick, located at 2119 Rapids Drive, has an aviation program is because of the proximity to Batten International Airport, 3239 N. Green Bay Road, just under two miles from the school.
“If any of the other schools attempted that, I would’ve thrown a fit,” Bucholtz said. “We’ve really created a natural foundation for these drones.”
While the drone curriculum hasn’t been set up yet, and there are plans to outline that this summer, the three aviation classes (General Aviation, Airframe and Propulsion) already cover mechanics and ground school. Ground school covers the basic rules of becoming a pilot, such as the theory of how airplanes fly, the weather, Federal Aviation Administration regulations and several other aviation-related topics.
Horlick CTE is working with the Batten Airport to hopefully bring the drone program there as well; the aviation program already works with the airport. The partnership could help students have real-world examples of what drone flight is like, Bucholtz said, including performing pre-flight checklists and communicating with other pilots.