Twelve outstanding 11th grade physics students from the network’s Afula Comprehensive High School were selected from among hundreds of their peers to participate in The Flying Eagles program, a private flying training course, sponsored by the network in collaboration with the Association for Commemorating Fallen Pilots and the City of Afula. The Association established the program to commemorate flight instructor, Miki Korev, who was killed in a flying accident.
The Flying Eagles program combines practical flight experience with the study of aeronautics theory. The curriculum covers the history of aviation, the basics of aerodynamics, aviation science and law, aircraft design and meteorology. Students chosen for the program receive a private pilot’s course and the chance to fly a single-engine Cessna alongside their flying instructor.
The program includes field trips to Ben Gurion Airport’s flight control tower, the Israel Air Force Ramat David Airbase and the RV- 7 sports airplane manufacturing facility in Ramat Yitzchak.
“I dream of being drafted into the Israel Air Force, and this opportunity is the first step in a long journey,” said 16-year-old Nofar Levy, one of the female participants. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of actually piloting a plane and all the other theoretical content will help me in my science studies.”
“All the network’s schools are committed to nurturing every student’s natural curiosity and ability to think creatively,” said Zvi Peleg, the network’s director general. “The Flying Eagles program is a unique experiment that we are pleased to offer our students.”