AVIATION AT RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY
Aviation Programs at R-MA
Flight, drones, STEM, and real-world responsibility come together in a college-prep program built for curious, motivated students.
EXPLORE WHAT IS POSSIBLE
A Private School Aviation Program Built for Exploration
At Randolph-Macon Academy, aviation goes beyond the classroom. Students can explore flight, drones, aerospace, and STEM through hands-on coursework and experiences, including flight instruction in R-MA’s Academy-owned aircraft.
Whether a student already dreams of becoming a pilot or is simply curious about aviation, R-MA gives them the opportunity to build their knowledge, develop real-world skills, and discover where that interest might lead.
Aviation is part of the larger R-MA college-prep experience, not a narrow technical track. Students can explore aviation while continuing to pursue strong academics, athletics, leadership opportunities, and other interests throughout their high school experience.
Learn by doing. Aviation connects physics, math, technology, communication, and decision-making in one hands-on learning environment.
FLIGHT · DRONES · STEM · RESPONSIBILITY
What Students Learn in R-MA Aviation Programs
R-MA aviation combines technical learning with the habits students need to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Aviation is not only about flying; it is about learning to think carefully, prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and follow procedures with confidence.
01
Flight Fundamentals
Aircraft operations, Ground School concepts, aviation safety, navigation, and the science behind flight.
02
Drone Applications
Unmanned aircraft systems, aerial photography, mapping, data collection, and real-world drone missions.
03
Applied STEM
Apply science, technology, engineering, and math through flight, simulators, aviation technology, research, and hands-on projects.
04
College-Ready Skills
Build leadership, communication, teamwork, precision, adaptability, and responsibility through aviation experiences that require preparation and sound decision-making.
ACADEMIC SEQUENCE
Aviation Pathway Courses
R-MA’s Pre-Professional Pathways Programs allow students to pursue a focused area of interest through related coursework and experiential learning.
Students in the pathway complete at least four qualifying courses, and Exploring Aviation serves as the prerequisite.
- Exploring Aviation
- Ground School
- Drone Applications
- Advanced Drone Applications
- Pre-Calculus
- Physics
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Experiential Learning
Students put what they learn into practice through hands-on experiences that connect the classroom with real-world aviation.
- Flight instruction in R-MA-owned aircraft
- Flight simulator training
- Hands-on drone operations and missions
- Field trips and aviation guest speakers
- Internship and summer aviation opportunities
MANNED + UNMANNED FLIGHT
Planes, Drones, and STEM in Action
R-MA students can experience aviation from multiple perspectives, from flight instruction in Academy-owned aircraft to hands-on work with unmanned aircraft systems. This combination gives students the opportunity to explore both traditional flight and the technologies shaping the future of aviation.
In the cockpit, students can put aviation concepts into practice through actual flight instruction and work toward important milestones such as solo flight and, for eligible students, a Private Pilot Certificate. Through drone applications, students explore areas such as aerial photography, mapping, data collection, 3D modeling, and real-world missions.
Together with simulator training and aviation coursework, these experiences allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real aircraft, technology, and aviation challenges.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Our Aviation Instructors
John Marquart
Flight and Ground School Instructor
John serves as a flight and ground school instructor at R-MA and is one of the Aviation Pathway advisors.
Ryan Koch
Flight Instructor
An R-MA flight instructor since 2006, Ryan enjoys introducing students to flying and sharing their excitement as they take to the sky. He holds a B.S. in Aviation Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College and also serves as an R-MA mentor.
Brian Kelly
Director, Unmanned Systems Lab (Drones)
Brian brings experience in film, television, and commercial drone operations to R-MA. A pioneer in using drones for aerial imagery, he founded National Drone Services in 2016 and now leads the Unmanned Systems Lab, drawing on his industry experience to teach and mentor students.
IMMERSIVE SUMMER LEARNING
Summer Aviation Camp at R-MA
R-MA offers an immersive Aviation Summer Camp for students who want to explore flight, drones, and aerospace. The summer program includes hands-on flight training in R-MA aircraft and simulators, drone piloting and data collection, STEM-based challenges, and field trips that expose students to aviation and aerospace opportunities.
Students may explore aerial photography, mapping, advanced data collection, 3D modeling, drone obstacle courses, racing, creative missions, and search-and-rescue challenges that build teamwork and confidence.
For many students, summer aviation is a powerful first step toward the school-year Aviation Pathway or related interests in engineering, aerospace, technology, and college-level STEM.
Summer availability can be limited. Families should review the current program page for dates, capacity, tuition, and flight-hour options.
FROM INTEREST TO DIRECTION
How Aviation Supports College Readiness
Aviation gives students the opportunity to explore an interest in depth while developing skills that carry into college and beyond. Through aviation coursework, flight training, drone projects, and summer experiences, students build technical knowledge while strengthening problem-solving, responsibility, persistence, and independent thinking.
At R-MA, aviation is part of a broader college-prep experience. Students receive academic support, mentorship, and college counseling to help them connect their interests and experiences with future academic and career possibilities.
BOARDING, MENTORSHIP & SUPPORT
A Community That Helps Students Rise
Students learn best when they feel both challenged and supported. R-MA’s boarding and day environment gives students structure, accountability, and a close-knit community.
The same habits that matter in aviation also matter in everyday school life: preparation, responsibility, focus, respect, and resilience. R-MA builds these qualities through academics, activities, mentorship, and a campus culture that values character as much as achievement.
A STRONG FIT FOR
Is R-MA Aviation Right for Your Student?
- Curious about airplanes, drones, aerospace, or STEM
- Enjoys hands-on learning and real-world applications
- Wants a distinctive interest to support college preparation
- Is ready for structure that builds confidence and responsibility
- Wants to explore without committing to one career path
- Would benefit from mentorship and accountability
KEEP EXPLORING
Aviation Stories and Program Resources
Discover how aviation, summer learning, and R-MA’s college-prep environment connect across the student experience.
PROGRAM GUIDE
R-MA’s Aviation Pathway
Explore planes, drones, coursework, and STEM career connections.
SUMMER EXPERIENCE
Exploring Summer at R-MA
See how academic, aviation, and leadership experiences shape a purposeful summer.
COLLEGE READINESS
Why Students Choose R-MA Summer
Learn why Upper School students use summer to build momentum for college.
AVIATION EDUCATION
An Exciting Journey Toward Aviation
Discover aviation education inside a private college-prep boarding school.
ACADEMICS
Curriculum & Programs
View the broader academic program that surrounds the Aviation Pathway.
ADMISSIONS
Visit Randolph-Macon Academy
Meet the community and ask how aviation can fit your student’s goals.
QUESTIONS FROM FAMILIES
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about R-MA’s Aviation Pathway, flight and drone learning, summer camp, and college preparation.
Yes. R-MA offers aviation learning through its Aviation Pathway, related coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and Aviation Summer Camp. Students can explore manned and unmanned flight, drones, STEM concepts, and aviation-related projects.
R-MA is a college-prep boarding and day school with a structured Aviation Pathway, aviation coursework, drone applications, flight-related learning, and summer aviation opportunities. Students explore aviation while benefiting from a broader college-prep environment.
Course options include Exploring Aviation, Ground School, Drone Applications, Advanced Drone Applications, Pre-Calculus, and Physics. Students in the pathway take at least four qualifying classes, and Exploring Aviation is the prerequisite.
R-MA aviation learning includes flight lab experiences with R-MA airplanes and drones, as well as simulator work. Program availability, student eligibility, and scheduling should be confirmed with the school.
Yes. Drone Applications and Advanced Drone Applications are part of the pathway. Students may explore unmanned flight, aerial photography, mapping, data collection, and related STEM applications.
R-MA introduces students to concepts connected to the FAA Remote Pilot Certification pathway through drone applications and unmanned flight learning. Certification testing is completed separately at an FAA testing center; families should confirm current preparation options with the school.
No. Aviation at R-MA is designed for exploration. Some students pursue aviation or aerospace, while others apply the STEM, leadership, and problem-solving skills to engineering, technology, science, or other college pathways.
Yes. R-MA’s Aviation Summer Camp includes flight training in R-MA aircraft and simulators, drone piloting, data collection, STEM challenges, field trips, and aviation career exploration. Availability may be limited.
Aviation gives students a focused academic interest, hands-on experience, and projects that can strengthen confidence and college preparation. It also builds responsibility, communication, technical thinking, and follow-through.
Families with students interested in aviation, drones, aerospace, STEM, technology, or hands-on academic exploration should inquire. The program is well suited to curious, motivated students ready for a structured college-prep environment.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Let Curiosity Take Flight
If your student is ready to explore aviation, drones, STEM, and college preparation in a supportive school community, R-MA can help them begin that journey.