Hoosic Valley High School senior Dan McLaughlin is enrolled in Questar III’s Aviation program at Schenectady County Airport.
Coming from a family of pilots, it’s no surprise Hoosic Valley High School senior Dan McLaughlin has an interest in flying planes. When he told his guidance counselor he wanted to pursue it as a career, they immediately recommended the Aviation program through Questar III BOCES.
McLaughlin spends half his day at the Schenectady County Airport where he’s learning the skills and knowledge needed to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam/FAA Private Pilot Flight Test. Students who successfully pass the exam receive their FAA Private Pilot Certification.
McLaughlin is using his mathematical skills to navigate and has even begun flying on his own; something he said will help prepare him for college.
“You get flying time right off the bat, so you’re already experienced when you go to college,” he said.
McLaughlin plans to use that experience at Schenectady County Community College for Aviation Science. He also plans on enlisting in the National Guard where he intends to fly planes as well. Looking even farther out, he plans to attend Siena College for a degree in Business.
McLaughlin said he would recommend the program to anyone with an interest in flying and someone who wants to learn new things each day.
“We get to meet people from different schools who have the same interest and passion for flying,” he said. “It’s really nice to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to school!”
To learn more about Questar III’s Aviation program please visit https://old.questar.org/education/career-tech-ed/aviation.php.
