Flight Path to the Future: How Iowa Lakes Is Inspiring the Next Generation of Pilots
This summer, high school students from across the country traded textbooks for takeoffs as they completed the prestigious Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy hosted by the Iowa Lakes Aviation program. Over the course of eight intensive weeks, students earned their FAA Private Pilot certificates, taking their first steps toward careers in aviation.
Recently completing its fifth year, the JROTC Flight Academy at Iowa Lakes Community College continues to make a national impact. The program has produced 67 licensed private pilots to date and plays a vital role in the college’s commitment to hands-on, high-quality aviation training.
But beyond the curriculum and cockpit hours lies the real story: the students.
A National Program, A Local Impact
Tim Busch, Director of Aviation Programs at Iowa Lakes, leads the academy with a hands-on approach and high expectations. “This is a great experience for the students. Although there is no commitment to join the Air Force, about 50% volunteer after this program,” said Busch.
The JROTC Flight Academy is part of a broader initiative within the Iowa Lakes Aviation program to help address a national shortage of pilots. Through a robust eight-week training model, cadets receive classroom instruction, flight simulator sessions, and in-air experience in GPS-equipped aircraft, all backed by the trong reputation Iowa Lakes has in aviation education.
“Our aviation program is first-class,” added Busch. “Our experienced flight instructors look forward to working with these students every summer and supporting them in launching their aviation careers.”
Students Share What Makes the Program Fly
For Reese Thompson, 17, from Arizona, the decision to apply was strategic. “I’ve always planned to join the military, so this program felt like the right step to prepare,” said Reese Thompson, 17, from Arizona. “A friend of mine went through the Iowa Lakes Aviation program and had a great experience, so I put it on my list, and I’m glad I did. Plus, the food’s pretty great, especially breakfast.”
Saila Olson, also 17 and from Arizona, came with a clear plan: “I’m here because I want to attend a military academy and become a pilot,” she said. “I love everything about this program. The instructors, the people, everyone here is working toward the same goal.”
Samuel Horn, 17, traveled from Richlands, Virginia, to attend. “Honestly, I joined JROTC in middle school because they said we’d get to play paintball,” joked Samuel Horn, 17, from Richlands, Virginia. “In reality, I only played once, but what kept me in the program was the community service and all the opportunities to grow. That’s what made me stick with it.”
Horn had never heard of Iowa Lakes Community College before being placed there—but says now he couldn’t imagine a better fit. “Honestly, it’s been awesome. The best part? Flying. I’ll really miss being able to fly once or twice every day.” He plans to pursue a career as a pilot, potentially through the Air Force or Army aviation.
The Future Is in Flight
With its state-of-the-art flight simulators, experienced faculty, and hands-on training, the Iowa Lakes Aviation program stands out as one of the top community college aviation programs in the country. Through its partnership with the Air Force JROTC and strong student-centered approach, Iowa Lakes is preparing the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals.
As Saila put it, “We’re all here for one thing. We all want to fly—and we’re doing it.”