Wayne County Aviation and Aeronautics CTE Program

Core principles for developing a highly effective CTE Aviation and Aeronautics program

1) Equity and Accessibility Inclusive Access

Ensure that the program is accessible to students, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. District Partnership and Support: Collaborate with neighboring districts to share costs when applicable, such as facility use and transportation for students. Diverse Representation: Create opportunities to encourage participation from underrepresented aviation and aeronautics groups.

2) Industry Relevance Current Curriculum

Design a curriculum aligned with industry standards, addressing current trends, technological advancements, such as drone capabilities, and future workforce needs. Real-World Experience: Integrate internships, apprenticeships, or simulation-based training to provide students with hands-on experience.

3) Excellence in Instruction Qualified Instructors

Recruit instructors who possess industry expertise, a passion for their field, and a strong commitment to teaching effectively. Mentorship and Coaching Programs: Establish mentorship & coaching models for program instructors, featuring support from master teachers, exemplary program models, a robust support network, and demonstrations of best practices. Continuous Professional Development: Encourage and provide opportunities for instructors to keep their skills updated with the latest trends.

4) Innovation and Leadership National Standards

Set and maintain high standards that position the program as a national aviation and aeronautics CTE education leader. Emerging Technologies: Encourage the use of cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching strategies to create a forward-thinking program. Alignment of Labor Demands: Prioritize aligning programs and pathways with labor demand forecasts in the aeronautics industry to ensure students gain the right skills to meet future workforce needs.

5) Student-Centered Learning Career Exploration and Development

Incorporate career exploration, mentorship, and skills workshops to guide students toward choosing a career pathway that inspires them. Individualized Pathways: Provide personalized learning paths that accommodate diverse career goals within aviation and aeronautics.

6) Stakeholder Collaboration Industry Partnerships

Foster strong local and national relationships and garner commitments with aviation companies, regulatory bodies, and professional associations. Educational Institutions: Collaborate with educational institutions to facilitate smooth transitions for students pursuing higher education or certification. 

Sustainable Funding

While we’ve made great strides with partnerships, we recognize that it won’t be enough to cover everything. Here are the areas where we’re interested in seeking additional, more stable investments and initiatives that the funding could be used towards in the future.

Sponsorships and Industry Partnerships

• Equipment, internships, scholarships, real estate, and professional development

State and Federal Grants

• Salaries, student support, curriculum development, equipment, and real estate.

Philanthropic  Foundations

• Student scholarships, ongoing capital maintenance, curriculum development, and technology investments.

Local Government

• Real estate, capital maintenance, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives.

• Line Service Technicians typically require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, with a median salary of $41,000.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operators may require industry-recognized credentials, earning a median salary of $58,000.
• Aircraft Maintenance Technicians usually hold an associate degree, with a local median salary of $75,000 (*Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area).
• B1 & B2 Engineers, Airworthiness Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, and Pilots generally require a bachelor’s degree, with salaries ranging from $76,000 to $245,000 (*Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area).
• Aviation Management, Aviation Cybersecurity, and Aerospace Engineers often hold advanced degrees, with salaries ranging from $51,000 to $170,000.

Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn-specific data indicated with an asterisk.