Student Highlight
“A friend recommended I take a discovery flight, and the rest was history.” Michael Bouchard, an Aeronautical Science major, is leading a partnership between Embry-Riddle and the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District geared toward instructing motivated young students about opportunities in aviation. “A friend recommended I take a discovery flight, and the rest was history. Without that friend, my life would be completely different,” said Bouchard. “I’m trying my best to be like my friend and change a few people’s lives through education and mentoring.” Sixteen eighth-grade students from four different schools in the city were selected to participate in a brand new after-school enrichment program, dubbed the Cottonwood- Oak Creek Condors. Bouchard developed an eight-unit, interactive course covering flight history, basic principles, aircraft systems and maneuvers, weather, communications, career opportunities, drones and more. His course also includes several field trips, guest speakers and a special parents’ night. The group visited the Prescott Campus to explore the Crash Lab, Riddle Ramp and maintenance hangar. Students even had an opportunity to operate the flight simulators. “Cottonwood isn’t a very wealthy area, and a few of the kids come from troubled homes,” Bouchard said. “Introducing them to a career that they would love and would allow them to travel and make a better life for their future families is awesome.”
As a bonus, members of the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter’s Young Eagles program host a rally in Cottonwood where the students can experience discovery flights. Bouchard stated, “As a peer counselor and a campus academic mentor in the College of Aviation, it was a terrific opportunity for some of them to fly with me also.” His involvement in the new program has solidified his passion for teaching. He is eagerly anticipating his new role as a certified flight instructor at Embry-Riddle. “I’m super excited to be able to fly every day of the week and I love teaching, so it is going to be a blast,” he said. Bouchard is a member of the Republic Airways Cadet Program and has already accepted an offer with the airline following his two-year stint as an instructor. He was also selected for the Delta Propel Program. In addition, Michael has accepted employment with Delta Air Lines after the completion of regional training. He looks forward to staying involved with the program as it grows and impacts young aviators for years to come. “This class is the kind of thing the kids will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said. “All of the work would be worth it if just one of them became a pilot.” Story by Annelise O’Donnell
Bouchard’s course blends classroom instruction with hands-on activities and experience. (Photo: Michael Bouchard)
10 | College of Aviation
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