Museum Partners with Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Aviation Program
Partnership integrates Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program and the newly-rebranded Aviation Pathways at CBTECH
SEATTLE, August 13, 2026—The Museum of Flight’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program continues to grow with regional partnerships in Washington state. A recent agreement with Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center in Moses Lake now extends the Museum’s high school program to the new Aviation Pathways at CBTECH. Formerly known as Flight Technology, the rebranding is in recognition of the Museum partnership and a reflection of the new and future directions of the program. The one- to two-year Aviation Pathways program is now seeking enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.
Through the new partnership, CBTECH works closely with The Museum of Flight’s ASP staff to develop an aviation careers program that closely aligns with the Museum’s immersive Career and Technical Education model while supporting Aviation Pathways’ best use of local expertise and resources. For example, a local FAA-Certified Flight Instructor will be assisting in the program’s Private Pilot Ground School.
The Museum’s ASP has helped hundreds of high school juniors and seniors achieve both high school and college credits and acquire the skills to successfully pursue their dreams in aviation operations professions. The program includes airplane and drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch and other aviation operations management fields.
“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.”
CBTECH Director Chad Utter is very optimistic about the program. "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 adds another perspective to the program. “Having worked in aviation for more than 30 years—first in the U.S. Navy, and then with subsidiaries of Boeing and Sikorsky," Howell said. "I’ve seen how aviation teaches discipline, confidence, critical thinking and real-world skills. 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 Museum of Flight Aeronautical Science Pathway Program in Brief
The Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program is held at The Museum of Flight as an after-school program and is available to any student in Washington state. The program is geared to high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work in drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or any other aviation operations management fields.
A dual credit Career and Technical Education program, ASP includes six college-level courses each year, with the opportunity to earn three high school credits and 30 college credits with the Green River College Aeronautical Science program as well as readiness for acquiring industry credentials such as the FAA ground school written exam.
Taught by aviation experts certified in education, the project-based curriculum leverages hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with the localized aviation community. The Museum announced a partnership earlier this year with a replication of the ASP program with Peninsula School District in Washington state.
Aviation Pathways at CBTECH in Brief
CBTECH's Aviation Pathways is a one or two-year program developed in partnership with The Museum of Flight in Seattle that introduces students to exciting aviation careers including piloting, drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, aviation maintenance and more. Taught by an FAA-certified instructor, students gain hands-on experience through flight simulation, aviation weather, aircraft systems, aviation law, aviation safety, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (drones).
Students prepare for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and earn their OSHA 10 Certification, building valuable industry-recognized credentials. Through a growing partnership with Green River College, students have the opportunity to earn dual college credit while still in high school.
The program will expand over the next four years, increasing college credit opportunities from 10 credits in 2026–27 to as many as 40 credits as additional aviation courses are added and aligned with college curriculum. Whether the goal is college, flight school, or entering the workforce, Aviation Pathways provides a strong foundation for success in one of the world's fastest-growing industries.
Image: Student (left) and instructor flying a simulator during CBTECH's Aviation Pathways program. Photo courtesy CBTECH.
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