California, USA – Corona High School’s STEM Academy, supported by Frasca International flight simulation technology, is advancing early-stage pilot development by integrating an FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) into its secondary education aviation pathway.

• For the past year, students at Corona High School’s STEM Academy have received their first structured flight training experience using a Frasca AATD, providing exposure to real-world cockpit procedures and flight scenarios.

• The simulator-based approach supports aviation programs with limited access to aircraft flight time, enabling consistent skills development and procedural training within a classroom environment.

• The program has already produced tangible outcomes, with a student recently earning a Private Pilot Certificate, demonstrating the effectiveness of early simulator-led flight training.

• The initiative reflects growing momentum in the U.S. toward integrating FAA-recognised simulation into high school aviation pathways, strengthening the long-term pilot pipeline by engaging students earlier in their education.

• FlightSafety International highlighted the program as an example of how Frasca’s training devices are being used to support the next generation of aviators through accessible, high-quality simulation.

Source: FRASCA & Flightsafety International