Faith Lutheran | Flight Academy

The Oder Family Flight Academy at Faith Lutheran

The Oder Family Flight Academy became reality because of a generous contribution to Faith Lutheran by J.D. and Melissa Oder and Katherine Oder, who wanted to honor the legacy of Katherine’s late husband and J.D.’s father, David Oder. In 1994, David founded Shift4, which grew to become the world’s largest independent payment gateway. He was considered a visionary and pioneer in the payments industry, and both his wife and children were highly involved in the success of Shift4 and have carried forth his entrepreneurial and forward-looking spirit.

That spirit for being on the leading edge inspired the Oders to capture the vision of what Faith could offer its students – an aviation program that provides both flight and aircraft maintenance training to prepare aspiring pilots and flight mechanics for a career in the airplane industry. Both J.D. and his parents have a love of aviation, and together wanted to use his knowledge and their combined resources to help bring this timely and important program into existence.

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Certifications

Students are prepared for knowledge exams towards FAA drone pilot, private pilot, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certifications. Students can then pursue flight time outside of Faith Lutheran to complete flight training.
Endorsement

Faith Lutheran High School offers FLIGHT Academy Endorsements for both manned and unmanned aircraft that are added to a student’s transcript upon completion. The endorsement, as well as FAA certifications, offer students a competitive advantage as they apply to elite programs.
Opportunities

FLIGHT Academy requirements include four offerings of specialized flight courses. These courses include simulators and prepare students to take the FAA written and FAA oral (checkride) exams. Academy students are involved in the school’s Flight Club which includes field trips, outside speakers, and aviation specific services and activities.

News & Events

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ELIANA RAU BECOMES A CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND COMMERCIAL PILOT BEFORE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL
FAITH STUDENT OBTAINS INSTRUMENT RATING

Dylan Arcemont, Dante Jensen, Kenneth Lozich
FAITH STUDENTS OBTAIN PRIVATE PILOT RATING

Lina Namkung, Tyler Kenniger, Nick Raye, Ian Bartlet, Jay Pozdro, Peter Beckmeyer
FIRST SOLO FLIGHTS

Paul Harvey, Sean Vaughan, Brooke Beikman, Jase Fortner, Tyler Kenniger
MANY MORE FAITH GRADUATES ARE CONTINUING THEIR AVIATION CAREERS BY OBTAINING PILOT AND HELICOPTER PILOT LICENSES

Thank You To Our Supporters

Faith Lutheran has partnered with 702-An Aviation Family to teach our Oder Flight Academy students. 702-An Aviation Family operates out of North Las Vegas Airport and – thanks to its fleet of airplanes, helicopters, maintenance facilities, and certified flight instructors and aircraft mechanics – has both the resources and experience to offer a well-rounded aviation education.

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Grade Level & GPA
Invitations will be sent out in January for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to apply who meet all of the following:
- Have an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Earn an 80% or higher in the Flight I or Flight - Drone class for first semester
Pilot Endorsement
FLIGHT Academy students must maintain a 2.5 unweighted GPA, earn at least their FAA Private Pilot Certificate, and earn an 80% or higher in all required courses. Choice of two:
- Flight - Drone Pilot
- Flight I - Private Pilot
- Flight II - Instrument
- Flight III - Commercial Pilot Honors
Unmanned Flight Endorsement

FLIGHT Academy students must maintain a 2.5 unweighted GPA, pass the written exam for the FAA UAG Part 107 Certificate, and earn an 80% or higher in Flight - Drone Pilot and either Flight I or Flight - Avionics/Mechanics.
Middle School Opportunities

Middle school students interested in flying are invited to join the Flight Club.

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Notes About Flying

To actually become a certified private pilot, students need 40-50 hours of flight time under the guidance of a Certified Flight Instructor outside of the courses taught at Faith Lutheran. Flight time routinely costs at least $200 per hour and is not a part of Faith's tuition nor is it organized by Faith Lutheran. This flight time is not a requirement of Flight 1, Flight 2 or The Faith Lutheran Flight Academy. If a family decides they want their student to pursue flight training, they will contract that time with the flight school of their choosing.