The Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington, has partnered with the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center (CBTECH) in Moses Lake to expand its Aeronautical Science Pathway program into CBTECH’s newly rebranded Aviation Pathways program. The partnership brings the Museum’s Career and Technical Education approach to students in the Columbia Basin, with the new program combining aviation instruction with local industry knowledge and resources. Aviation Pathways, formerly known as Flight Technology, is now accepting students for the 2026-27 school year. The one- to two-year program will expose students to a range of aviation careers, including piloting, drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, aviation maintenance, testing, and manufacturing. Students will work with staff from the Museum of Flight’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program while also benefiting from local aviation professionals. An FAA-certified flight instructor, for example, will assist with the program’s Private Pilot Ground School. “We are excited to partner with CBTECH on their newly updated Aviation Pathways program,” said Rob Prosch, Director of Preparatory Programs at The Museum of Flight. “The Grant County and North Central regions of the state have a large aerospace presence, from aviation to space companies, and as the demand for aviation professionals grows, Aviation Pathways will help students explore a broad range of aviation careers through hands-on learning. They will gain meaningful exposure to opportunities from piloting and airport management to unmanned aerial systems and airline dispatch.”
(Image credit: Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center (CBTECH))
The Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program has already helped hundreds of high school juniors and seniors earn high school and college credits while preparing for careers in aviation operations. The after-school program is available to students across Washington and includes six college-level courses each year. Participants can earn up to three high school credits and 30 college credits through the Green River College Aeronautical Science program, while also preparing for industry credentials such as the FAA ground school written exam. CBTECH’s Aviation Pathways will offer a similar hands-on approach while tailoring the program to the needs and opportunities of the Columbia Basin. Students will work with flight simulation, aviation weather, aircraft systems, aviation law, aviation safety, and uncrewed aerial systems. The program also prepares students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and OSHA 10 Certification. Through a growing partnership with Green River College, students can earn college credit while still in high school.
CBTECH Director Chad Utter said the partnership will give students exposure to a broad range of aviation careers available in the region. “CBTECH is excited to launch a new era for our Aviation Pathways program through our partnership with The Museum of Flight,” said Utter. “Together we’re creating more opportunities than ever for Columbia Basin students to explore high-demand careers in aviation. From commercial and private piloting to agricultural aviation, airport operations, aviation maintenance, testing, manufacturing, and careers with industry leaders like Boeing, our region is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. Our goal is simple: provide students with the skills, experiences, and industry connections that allow them to take flight—right here in the Columbia Basin.”
Aviation Pathways instructor Paul Howell brings more than three decades of aviation experience to the program, including service in the U.S. Navy and work with Boeing and Sikorsky subsidiaries. “Having worked in aviation for more than 30 years—first in the U.S. Navy, and then with subsidiaries of Boeing and Sikorsky, I’ve seen how aviation teaches discipline, confidence, critical thinking and real-world skills,” Howell said. “Aviation Pathways is all about that. Students in the program have the opportunity to see what’s possible and take the first step toward an exciting future in aviation. It’s not a dream that’s out of reach.” The CBTECH program is expected to expand during the next four years. College credit opportunities are planned to increase from 10 credits during the 2026-27 school year to as many as 40 credits as additional aviation courses are introduced and aligned with college curricula.
The partnership is the latest expansion of the Museum of Flight’s Aeronautical Science Pathway model. Earlier this year, the museum announced plans to replicate the program through a partnership with the Peninsula School District in Washington. For students interested in aviation, the Aviation Pathways program is intended to provide options whether they plan to attend college, pursue flight training, or enter the aviation workforce after high school. For more information and to support The Museum of Flight, click on this link: www.museumofflight.org.
