Cleveland High School announces the school will be providing an aviation program, Tango Flight, for the 2022-2023 school year to junior and senior students. Tango Flight is a turn-key, innovative educational program that encompasses concepts of aerospace, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering, with an emphasis on aviation. The curriculum provides hands-on training applying classroom knowledge to build an actual FAA certified RV-12iS airplane.
Each year, Cleveland City Schools offer students opportunities for project-based learning, enriching the classroom experience. Tango Flight will strategically build on currently-offered aviation and STEM programs. Students will leverage prior math, engineering, and technical learning while enhancing life skills such as organization, collaboration, communication and teamwork.
Scheduled to begin in August, “Tango Flight” provides curriculum, full logistics support, lab assistance, instructor training, site visits and scheduled inspections by Tango Flight directors, FAA inspections/certifications, and comprehensive insurance. Cleveland High School's on-site aviation instructor is a retired 26 year Air Force veteran, a command pilot with over 4,600 flying hours and has an electrical engineering degree from the Air Force Academy.
Offering this program to CHS students would not have been possible without generous donors through Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation. The financial cost of Tango Flight includes the airplane deposit, an annual program fee, and a one-time tool and equipment upgrade.
Building on past investments in STEM, the George R. Johnson Family Foundation has funded the $90,000 deposit on the airplane components. This one-time deposit applies for the duration of the program relationship between CHS and Tango Flight. Tricon Inc. and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wright have generously supported the annual program fee for 2022-23.
Dr. Russell Dyer said, “These donations invest in visionary and strategic programs which enable Cleveland City Schools to collaborate with our community toward workplace readiness for our students. The donors recognize the value of this education. They also understand the integrity and strategic planning the CCS staff and educators exercise every day. The Cleveland Board of Education and I are immeasurably grateful for the partnership of BCPEF and the generosity of donors. We thank them for their charitable contributions and for sharing our vision. We cannot wait to see the airplane in flight.”