Chesapeake, Virginia – The sky wasn’t the limit — it was the destination — for a group of students in the Henrico PAL Youth Aviation Program, who recently embarked on an unforgettable field trip to the Hampton Roads Executive Airport.
More than 30 students ages 11 to 15 were given a rare, hands-on opportunity to explore the world of aviation during a day filled with interactive workshops, flight simulations, real cockpit time, and job shadowing with professional pilots.
“This was amazing — I never thought I’d get to sit in a real cockpit, let alone fly in a simulator,” said Jalen, age 13. “Now I know for sure I want to be a pilot.”
Throughout the day, students rotated through immersive stations that gave them a firsthand look into aviation careers. They worked with instructors on flight planning, learned the science behind aerodynamics and aircraft controls, and even operated FAA-certified flight simulators — giving them a taste of what it’s like to navigate the skies.
The highlight of the experience? Several students had the chance to co-pilot short discovery flights under the guidance of certified flight instructors. “It was like driving a car in the sky,” said Mariah, age 12. “I was nervous at first, but now I feel like I can do anything.”
The program, part of the organization’s broader mission to expose youth to careers in STEM and aviation, aims to spark early interest in fields that are often out of reach for underserved communities.
“This isn’t just a field trip — it’s exposure, it’s empowerment,” said Officer James Carter, one of the program coordinators. “We want these kids to see themselves in these roles and know they belong in those pilot seats.”
In addition to flight time, students met with professionals across the aviation field — including air traffic controllers, flight mechanics, and commercial airline staff — as part of a pilot shadowing experience designed to help them understand the full ecosystem of air travel.
“This program plants a seed,” said Angela Ford, the Aviation Program Lead. “We’re opening doors, giving our kids access to possibilities that change how they view their future.”
The field trip is one of several immersive experiences offered through the Aviation Program, which runs as part of the organization’s year-round enrichment and leadership initiatives.
