Since 2021, Steven Arden has been quietly introducing Osceola High School students to the world of aviation through Federal Aviation Administration pilot training “Ground School” and hands-on aircraft maintenance projects. With the school located on the perimeter of the Kissimmee Gateway Airport, the aviation program benefits from the expertise and resources of numerous aviation businesses at the airport.
Arden, the school’s sole aviation instructor, has over 40 years of aircraft maintenance experience behind him including a career in the U.S. Navy, and has been the chief mechanic for several airlines.
“I can think of no better way to finish up than by passing on what I can to these students, who can then go into a lifetime trade in aviation,” said Arden.
The aviation classroom in OHS’ Building 1 looks more like a workshop than a classroom, appropriate to a program that emphasizes handson learning. Three small aircraft piston engines lay in various states of disassembly on worktables while a section of an actual aircraft wing rests in one corner.
During 90 minutes on a recent Thursday morning, three groups of students, about 50 in all, flowed through the workshop/classroom. First, the Aviation III class worked on disassembling frozen Cessna engines until it was time to clean up before the end of class bell rang. Then the Aviation II class, donning safety goggles, learned both the strict FAA procedures and nuances of drilling into aircraft sheet metal surfaces and rivets. During this session, Arden also offered practical lessons, such as how to connect impact tools without losing air pressure, and how a simple drilling mistake can ruin an expensive piece of aircraft aluminum sheet metal and cause production delays, important considerations when working in the “real world.” Finally, the mostly freshmen students for the Ground School worked through the very same FAA program on their laptops, which is the first step of every student pilot.
With its emphasis on practical instruction and learning, it is no wonder that several graduates of the program have gone on to start professional pilot training at Aerostar Training Services off of Hoagland Boulevard, or using the head start they gained to earn their FAA Airframe and Power plant aircraft maintenance license at Aviator College on Dyer Boulevard.
Both pilots and certified aircraft mechanics are in perpetual high demand by the aviation industry. In addition, holders of an FAA mechanics license are also in demand by Orlando’s Westside attractions, which use many aviation safety requirements and practices to maintain cutting-edge rollercoasters and other rides at the various parks.
Aden said he hopes to add a drone related class in the future, as well as getting students official certification from the FAA once they successfully complete the Ground School program test. Even with the program’s momentum, Arden is always in need of aviation related machinery, parts, and tools for the students to use in class. He is also always happy to speak to parents who may have questions about the program and can be reached at Steven.Arden@osceolaschools.net.
