Benjamin Stum is a senior at West Boca High School who was faced with the decision of doing full-time dual enrollment at Palm Beach State or continuing his education at West Boca to pursue our new aviation academy. The WBHS Aviation Academy is an extraordinary program that has partnered with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. In this academy, students take dual enrollment courses that count towards college credits in Principles of Flight and Private Pilot Ground School, while also gaining two industry certifications in Private Pilot and Drone operations. Since Benjamin is passionate about flying he chose to stay and simultaneously attend flight school (The American Flyers at Pompano Airport). After school and on weekends Benjamin would dedicate around 5 days out of his week to both ground and flight instruction, accumulating over 40 flight hours in a Cessna-172.
After months of devotion, he was able to pass his Federal Aviation Administration Private Knowledge Test! This test evaluates a pilot’s ability to understand aviation regulations metrology, navigation, space classifications, and aircraft systems. Since he is in the West Boca Aviation Academy he will also earn an Industry Certification for this achievement. Furthermore, Benjamin completed the 1st class medical exam required by airlines. This exam consists of checks of eyesight, lung function, chest X-ray, physical examination, and electrocardiogram (ECG). After all this hard work Ben still has one more test to complete called a Check ride. A Check ride is a final exam after a pilot completes a course to help them review knowledge from the previous exam. They are done every time privileges are added to their certifications. Once he has completed this Benjamin will finally receive his FAA Private Pilots Licence! Benjamin wants to inspire other young pilots by explaining that ¨Though this process was long and took a lot of dedication I believe that you can do anything that you put your mind to¨.
