Ever wondered what it feels like to fly a plane? In our Aviation program, you’ll explore the skies—literally. Learn the science of flight, navigate using real-world tools, and get hands-on with flight simulators and aviation tech. Whether you dream of being a pilot, drone operator, or working behind the scenes in air traffic or aircraft maintenance, this program gives you a high-flying head start.
2025-2026 Course Offerings
BBRCTE’s Rural Alaska Aviation Academy:
Private Pilot Ground School (Distance)
Are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a pilot?
BBRCTE’s Rural Alaska Aviation Academy is excited to announce that applications are now open for our 8-week Private Pilot Ground School, a distance-delivered course designed for motivated students ready to commit to aviation training.
This course is built for rural Alaskans who want to begin their aviation journey from home, while still receiving structured, instructor-led lessons, weekly check-ins, and guided assessments that prepare you for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
By the end of the course, students will be ready to schedule and take the FAA written exam—a major milestone on your path to becoming a pilot.
Program Schedule:
- Private Pilot Ground School (Distance)
January 19 – March 6, 2026 - Aviation Intensive Week 3 – Anchorage
March 16–20, 2026 - Aviation Intensive Week 4 – Anchorage
April 27 – May 1, 2026
What to Expect:
- Weekly Zoom session with your aviation instructor
- Daily coursework to keep you on track
- A high-support, structured learning environment
- A clear pathway toward your FAA written exam
- Preparation for our in-person “Path to the Skies: Private Pilot Ground School Exam Prep & Assessment” sessions (Intensive Week 3 & 4)
Please apply only if you are committed to pursuing your pilot’s license—this course requires consistent engagement and dedication.
Previous Course Offerings
Intro to Aviation Careers: BBRCTE is offering an Introduction to Aviation Careers course. In this course students will learn the various fields in aviation, including but not limited to: Aviation History, Aviation Sectors, Government Organizations, Airports, Aircraft Manufacturing and Career Opportunities. This course also prepares students for recruitment to ARAA, Intro to Aviation Maintenance, and UAV. 8th grade welcome to apply! College and high school credit provided upon successful completion.
Intro to Aviation Maintenance: In conjunction with University of Alaska Anchorage Aviation Technology Center, BBRCTE offers an Introduction to Aviation Maintenance course taught by Assistant Professor Wade Weiss. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of maintaining an aircraft’s airframe and power plant, including but not limited to: aircraft landing gear systems, aircraft materials, hardware and processes, aircraft weight and balance, aircraft cleaning and corrosion control, fundamentals of aircraft reciprocating engines, fundamentals of electricity and electronics, mathematics in aviation maintenance, inspection concepts and techniques, physics for aviation, propellers, and much more! During this course students will spend part of their day working in a classroom environment and the other part of their day working hands-on with aircraft, engines, equipment and tools related to aircraft maintenance. This allows students to begin logging time in their Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Logbook.
Intro to Aviation Maintenance & Pilotage: The Rural Alaska Aviation Academy was established in 2023 as a means to give rural Alaskan students the opportunity and resources to enter into the field of aviation with the guidance and support to successfully complete industry certifications. In conjunction with CKT Aviation and Swoop Flight Training, BBRCTE brings together future aviators and mechanics from Rural Alaska to experience the art of aviation maintenance and pilotage. This program has multiple phases in which students will begin with an Introduction to Aviation Piloting and Maintenance in the Fall and end with hours towards their private pilots license, their A&P and a jump start to an exciting career! This program starts with a 5-day introduction to aviation pilotage and maintenance intensive at Merrill Field in Anchorage, Alaska during our September intensive week. Out of that intensive, the students will choose if they want to continue into the flight path and/or the maintenance path.
Pilotage Path: Fall Introduction Intensive Week Spring → Distance Ground School → FAA Knowledge Exam → Flight Hours
Maintenance Path: Fall Introduction Intensive Week → In-Depth Part II Maintenance Spring Intensive Week → A&P Hours → Apprenticeship / Career Planning
Private Pilot Ground School (Distance): This 8-week Private Pilot Ground School is a comprehensive, distance-delivered program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Tailored for motivated individuals seeking to enter the world of aviation, this course offers a flexible learning format that can be completed from your hometown while offering structured, instructor-led content and assessments. Upon successful completion of the course, students will not only be prepared to take the FAA written exam, but they will also be eligible for consideration to participate in a highly selective Aviation Summer Flight Program. This ground school or a similar ground school program is a prerequisite for attending the Path to the Skies: Private Pilot Ground School Exam Prep & Assessment.
Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals- Building Blocks for A&P:This 10-day course introduces students to the foundational principles of aviation maintenance, serving as a starting point for those pursuing an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. The curriculum focuses on essential topics such as aircraft systems, basic electricity, maintenance procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Students will participate in hands-on learning activities, including component inspections, basic troubleshooting, and maintenance task simulations. The course includes practical exposure to industry practices through tours of maintenance facilities and operational hangars, providing a real-world perspective on aviation maintenance careers.
Career exploration is integrated throughout the program, with discussions on diverse roles within the field of aviation maintenance, including opportunities in general aviation, commercial aviation, and manufacturing. This course is designed to build a solid knowledge base and practical understanding, offering students a pathway to further training and certification in aviation maintenance.
Path to the Skies: Private Pilot Ground School Exam Prep & Assessment: This 10-day course provides comprehensive preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test and introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge in aviation. The curriculum covers essential topics, including flight planning, navigation, weather analysis, aerodynamics, and federal aviation regulations.
Students will engage in practical learning activities, including time in an FAA-approved flight simulator to develop essential piloting skills in a controlled environment. The program incorporates hands-on experiences such as a discovery flight with a certified instructor, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in operating an aircraft.
Career exploration is integrated through guided tours of local air taxi services, airport operations, and control tower facilities, offering insights into various professional roles in aviation. This course combines theoretical knowledge, practical application, and industry exposure to provide students with a comprehensive foundation for pursuing a private pilot certificate and exploring careers in aviation.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (ARAA UAV): In conjunction with B-town Productions, BBRCTE offers a course in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles taught by Steven Glasheen, a certificated drone and private pilot born and raised in rural Alaska. Students who participate in the course will learn basic flight controls of drones, part 107 certificate requirements, the application of drones in their community, and the importance of drone technology in today’s economy. An emphasis on cinematography will drive the students to become familiar with the application of drones in the business world as well as the importance of highlighting crucial topics and stories in their communities. During this course students will be expected to be working in a classroom environment learning about the overview of drones, the part 107 certificate, and the application of drones. In the latter half of the course, students will learn how to navigate student-created obstacle courses and airspace requirements. Students will also be expected to work in teams and along with the instructor to produce a highlight reel that tells a story and that will be shown at the end of the intensive week. This course allows students to explore the world of drones and their application from a business standpoint in addition to utilizing drones to better their communities.
ARAA Flight Program: The Alaska Rural Aviation Academy was established in 2023 as a means to give rural Alaskan students the opportunity and resources to enter into the field of aviation pilotage with the guidance and support to successfully complete their private pilot certification. Through ARAA-Flight students gain a deep understanding of Aviation history throughout Alaska, gain the knowledge and study strategies needed to ACE their FAA Written Exam and the foundation & fundamentals to continue building upon as they progress through their 40 hours of flight training. Upon successful completion of this program, students will gain their Private Pilots License, have internship opportunities & have built a foundation for themselves to continue into their aviation career of choice.
Aviation Internship: Students will work with BBRCTE’s Internship Development Program Manager to be placed in an internship in the aviation field. More info to come!
