Response to Westmont classes good

BY JOSHUA BYERS

JBYERS@TRIBDEM.COM

Westmont Hilltop Junior-Senior High School freshman Kevaughn Lewis was nervous when he took the yoke on the school’s new Federal Aviation Administration Redbird TD simulator, but quickly settled into the training exercise of flying from John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport to Somerset County.

“I’ve been in a lot of different schools in America and they do not have this,” he said.

Lewis described the program as realistic, adding he had fun taking the simulator for a spin.

The Redbird TD is part of the district’s new aviation program, which also includes ninth- through 12th-grade courses on “Introduction to Flight and Aircraft Systems and Performance,” as well as “Launching into Aviation” and “Exploring Aviation and Aerospace” – both pathways pilot and unmanned aircraft systems.

Westmont joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s youthcentered program in October 2023 to acquire this curriculum.

In November, the board accepted the donated simulator from local aviation nonprofit Aerium, along with related software, maintenance, training, licenses and other costs carrying a value of nearly $20,000.

William Aurandt, high school

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Catherine Veranese (left), Westmont Hilltop Junior-Senior High School aviation program instructor, guides freshman Kevaughn Lewis on the new Redbird TD simulator Thursday at the school.

JOSHUA BYERS/ THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT

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principal, said the students have responded well to the aviation courses and simulator.

Since adoption, there are about 24 students enrolled in the classes, with Westmont planning to implement several more courses soon.

The Flying Environment for 10th through 12th grades is expected to be offered in the fall along with 11th- and 12th-grade classes of UAS Operations and a World of UAS.

Another course titled “The Capstone Experience” will likely be available during 2026-27 school year.

Assisting with implementation of this curriculum is aviation program instructor Catherine Veranese.

She’s a 2021 Westmont graduate with a degree in aeronautics from Kent State University who is helping build the framework for the program and training students, such as Lewis, on the simulator.

“It’s been really exciting,” she said. “The kids really like it.”

Veranese works with 12 students per week on the Redbird system, instructing them on altitude and pitch, how to take off and land, and how to navigate using the built-in instruments.

“I love being able to bring this to other people,” she said.

The instructor noted that the expected shortages across several fields of aviation, such as pilots and mechanics, require more attention and exposing students to these careers will likely help address that.

Christian Resto, an eighth-grader, is looking forward to signing up for Westmont’s new courses and eventually pursuing a career as a pilot.

He’s pursuing his private pilot’s license and has a “passion for aviation,” he said.

“I’m pretty appreciative that Westmont has given us this type of course,” Resto said.

Lewis agreed. He said he will likely join the military to pursue a career in aviation, but is glad to have this start in high school.

Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-5325054. Follow him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.