Chillicothe, Ohio – Zane Trace High School, in collaboration with the Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center, is proud to announce significant enhancements to its aviation program, including the introduction of an advanced flight simulator and a comprehensive certification curriculum. Under the leadership of Mrs. Sarah Thornton, this initiative is set to redefine aviation education, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning and professional advancement.
Mrs. Thornton’s participation in a specialized training course is set to bring four new certifications into the classroom, allowing students to earn up to 18 graduation points directly through the school program. The fourth certification, requiring external testing, further broadens the students’ horizons, preparing them for opportunities in an array of industries such as Agriculture/Environmental Systems, Arts and Communication, Construction, Law and Public Safety and Transportation.
These aviation certifications, aligning with six of the thirteen Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, include the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Small Unmanned Safety Institute Certification Level 1, and Visual Line of Sight Systems Operations (both Ground School and Flight Training). These play an integral part in students’ academic and career success, offering up to 24 graduation points.
The realization of this project was made possible through the concerted efforts and dedication of several key partners. Notably, Andrew Vitatoe of Vitatoe Aviation, along with the Commercial Carpentry and Auto Collision programs at Pickaway-Ross, played pivotal roles. The Commercial Carpentry program meticulously assembled the flight simulator while the Auto Collision program used their skills in painting. 
Mr. Vitatoe's involvement was instrumental in elevating the project to its maximum potential. His contributions extended beyond generous financial donations. As a licensed pilot and committed board member, Mr. Vitatoe was intricately involved in procuring essential components and configuring the flight simulator software.
His dedication ensured that students would have access to the most realistic and immersive flight simulation experience possible. Additionally, Mr. Vitatoe's technical prowess was evident in his complete oversight of the system's and controls' configuration, as well as in the creation of the entire Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawing for the build. His forthcoming donation of a Cessna seat—mirroring the simulator's aircraft model—promises to further enhance the authenticity of students' flight experience.
The Pickaway-Ross IT department, led by Ben Buchwalter, also contributed significantly, allocating a portion of their budget and resources, such as monitors, to support the project's successful execution.
Zane Trace High School's aviation program, a satellite program of Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, is now at the cutting edge of educational innovation, blending rigorous academic standards with practical, real-world experience. By equipping students with valuable certifications and immersive learning opportunities, the program is nurturing a new generation of aviation industry leaders, fully prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow's aviation landscape.