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Dare County Schools Aviation Program

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Main gate entrance to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Continuing the Wright Brothers’ Legacy: Student Aircraft Unveiling

Another historic moment will unfold during the Wright Brothers' Anniversary of Flight Celebration, as First Flight High School students in Dare County unveil the school’s first completed student-built airplane. The build is the second airplane ever constructed on this historic site, following in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers and carrying their legacy into a modern classroom.
 
This milestone project began in 2023 as part of the school’s Aviation Program, which teaches real-world aeronautics, engineering, leadership, and teamwork through hands-on learning. The project underscores how Career and Technical Education, strengthened by community partnerships, can inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. In a true full-circle moment, students are carrying forward the same spirit of innovation that launched the world’s first flight on the very grounds where aviation history began. 

Local Partnerships Elevate Dare County’s Aviation Program

This project became a reality thanks to the generous support and collaboration of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, National Park Service, and Outer Banks Forever. When the National Park Service learned about Dare County Schools’ vision for this class, they enthusiastically joined the effort. They began converting a space used for storage into a conditioned space for students to build an airplane as part of the school's aviation program. From their workspace, students enjoyed a view of the Wright Brothers Momunment—a constant reminder of innovation, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of flight.

Additionally, Wright Brothers National Memorial educational rangers have been heavily involved by providing opportunities for the students to connect their journey to the story of the Wright brothers. This has been done through specialized tours, talks and demonstrations at the memorial. Staff have also produced the Wright Flight Academy video series to share the story of the Wright Flight Academy and explore the historical connections with a digital audience of over 150,000. The stories and lessons of the Wright brothers have helped students connect with history on a deeper, more personal level as they overcame challenges similar to those faced by aviation’s pioneers.

Event Highlights: Wright Brothers Anniversary Celebration

Watch Live: Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight

Frequently Asked Questions

Launching Futures in Flight

Just as their student-built airplane will soon depart the runway, students from First Flight High School’s Aviation Program are soaring after graduation—launching into bright futures in aviation, engineering, the military, and the skilled trades. Following in the footsteps of Orville and Wilbur Wright, students recently completed the second airplane ever built on the historic grounds of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Since the program’s launch in the fall of 2023, three classes of students have taken part—each leaving their mark on local history and gaining skills that will carry them far beyond high school.
 

A Journey of Innovation and Perseverance

Over two and a half years, juniors and seniors worked together through challenges much like those faced by the Wright Brothers—problem‑solving, adapting to supply delays, and staying focused on their goal. Guided by the class motto “Why not you? Why not now?”, students found confidence through hands‑on learning and collaboration, inspiring many to pursue careers in aviation and engineering.
 

Leadership and Learning Under Admiral Tynch

Led by retired U.S. Navy Admiral J.T. Tynch, the aviation program is far more than an introduction to aerospace. It’s a lesson in discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
 
Students rotate through small group workstations, taking responsibility for different phases of the build. Juniors learn from seniors, while seniors mentor their peers—mirroring the structure, discipline, and camaraderie of a military unit. Admiral Tynch’s enthusiasm and experience have been essential to the program’s success, fostering a professional, determined, and collaborative environment.
 

Community and Mentorship

The program thrives through support from dedicated local mentors. Volunteers from the Outer Banks community, many with backgrounds in mechanics, engineering, and woodworking, have shared their expertise to help students gain real‑world technical skills.
 
The achievements of this class would not be possible without the support and guidance of our local mentors. 
 

Pathways Beyond Graduation

For many students, aviation or trade careers weren’t even a consideration before this class. Now, program alumni have taken off in diverse directions, applying what they’ve learned to their next steps:
 

Alumni Highlights

  • 5 graduates are currently in flight training, including 2 enrolled in the Aviation Program at Elizabeth City State University.
  • 4 alumni are attending four‑year colleges, and 1 is studying at a two‑year school.
  • 1 graduate is enrolled in the COA Aviation Maintenance Program.
  • 1 alumni is preparing to transfer to the College of the Albemarle (COA) Aviation Program.
  • 1 graduate works as a welder at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and plans to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
  • 1 graduate is training as a welder at COA.
  • 1 United States Marine Corps Boot Camp graduate is serving in Aviation—Crash & Salvage.
  • 1 United States Army Boot Camp graduate is serving as an H‑60 Aviation Maintenance Mechanic.
  • 1 graduate completed U.S. Navy Boot Camp.

Inspiring Careers Through Career and Technical Education

The success of the Aviation Program demonstrates Dare County Schools’ commitment to expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities. Through programs like this, students not only learn technical skills but also discover career paths available right in their community. 

The Wright Flight Academy Video Series

The Wright Flight Academy Video Series The National Park Service, in partnership with Outer Banks Forever, has produced a series of videos documenting the progress of the two-and-a-half-year project. These videos highlight the students’ achievements and draw parallels between their experiences and the challenges the Wright Brothers faced and overcame.

Photo Galleries

Aviation Lab Ribbon Cutting & National Park Service Educational Programs

First Flight High School aviation students inside aviation lab during ribbon cutting ceremony

Aviation Lab Tour: October 2025 Update

First Flight High School aviation students standing in front of airplane in progress.

Tango Flight Visit: Finished Airplane Tour

Students standing in front of finished Tango Flight airplane build on runway.

Aviation Lab Tour: October 2025 Update

First Flight High School aviation student and mentor install propellor to plane.

Follow us on Instagram

Track the class' progress on Instagram at @FFHSAviation. 

Teal Instagram icon with airplane graphics in the background.

Thank You

This achievement was made possible through the dedication and support of the following individuals.

Aviation Instructor

Rear Admiral Joey "JT" Tynch

Aviation Students

Lawrence Benner, Asher Berkowitz, Carley Bonamico, Logan Botson, Xander Brown, Simon Burkhimer, Evan Calhoun, Anthony Contristan, Gavin Dibler, Michael Eaton, Finn Engley, Jorge Flores Aguilar, Alex Flores Obando, Cameron Gabbert, Avery Garberina, Cade Gehris, Matthew George, Eli Hanks, Sawyer Harrison, Alex Harvey, Cooper Kresick, Martin Liu, Blake Medler, Everest Ouellette, Luke Posko, Adam Pritchard, Nicholas Rowell, Luke Rubino, Sam Sabora, Alex Sharp, Khalel Sibugan, Emma Siegel, Landon Verner, Oliver Voronovitch, Skye Wells, Richard Williamson, Michael Woodard, Seth Yaeckel, Anthony Yetzeri 

Mentors

Tony Bruno, Jim Davis, Peter Fynn, Scott Morton, Bob Newman, and Tim Ribble

Dare County Schools Support Team

Steve Basnight, Steve Blackstock, Dr. Shannon Castillo, Denise Fallon, Dr. Duke Wallin, First Flight High School staff, and the Dare County Board of Education

National Parks Services Supporters and Partners

David Hallac, Scott Babinowich, First Flight Society, Outer Banks Forever, and Wright Brothers National Memorial staff.

Tango Flight Leaders

Craig Anthony and Dan Weyant