On Saturday, April 25, 2026, students from the aviation club at Sylvan Hills High School participated in a discovery flight experience at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport. Juniors Liam Fisher and Jonah Freshley flew alongside teacher Michael Scroggins and EAA Discovery Flight Manager Jerry Homesley as part of an opportunity designed to introduce students to the world of aviation.
During the event, multiple pilots took students into the air in Vans RV aircraft that they had personally built from kits. Each flight lasted around 30 minutes and gave students the rare opportunity to take control of the aircraft while in the air. After taking off from the airport, the planes followed one another through the sky before circling Pinnacle Mountain State Park, allowing students to experience both the view and the responsibility of flying.
Although the flight was exciting, pilots and students also faced some challenges while in the air. Wind conditions and vortex turbulence from the plane flying ahead caused the aircraft to shift more than it would on a calm day, making the flight slightly more difficult. Despite the conditions, the pilots safely guided the students through the experience and completed smooth landings back at the airport.
After the flight, students received their own pilot logbooks to begin tracking flight hours. They were also given information about accessing a free portion of ground school training, helping them take their first steps toward aviation careers and future pilot certifications.
Fisher said the experience had a strong impact on him. “It opened my eyes, and showed that there are several different opportunities that best suit me after I graduate high school,” he said.
The discovery flight experience was important because it allowed students to explore aviation at an early age and gain firsthand experience inside the cockpit. For many students at Sylvan Hills, the event offered a new perspective on possible careers and opportunities in the aviation industry. For those students interested in joining Aviation Club, a sign-up will be available during Club Rush next school year. Be sure to sign up.
