Next Gen Aviation: Students Earn Pilot's License While in High School

Zaid Shalaldeh, a senior at Edison High School will soar across the stage at graduation later this month, but before earning a high school diploma, Zaid has already earned his pilot’s license and instrument rating.  Joseph Oldham, who runs the Next Generation Aviation Academy (Next Gen Aviation) said, “He is, to my knowledge, the youngest instrument rated pilot in Fresno.”  Zaid, along with 14 other students from the Edison region, has participated in Next Gen Aviation since 2023.  Currently, there are six students enrolled in the program and two students, including Zaid, have already earned their pilot’s license. 

In addition to students in the Edison region, other students at school districts throughout the area including Central Unified, Washington Unified, Clovis Unified, and Kings Canyon Unified (Reedley) are participating in pilot training.  Oldham shared, “We have one student from Central Unified who achieved his Private Pilot certification in 2024, and a second student from Central preparing for his check-ride for certification this month.  In total, we have eight students from other districts currently in active training.” Next Gen Aviation plans to continue supporting students in the region and is interested in contracting with other districts for similar aviation activities. 

Aviation Summer Camp 

New Vision Aviation, the non-profit that supports Next Gen Aviation, hosts summer camps each July that reach about 70 students annually from Fresno Unified School District.  The 2025 camps are already filled with waiting lists for all three weeks.  The camps introduce the aviation industry to students through field trips, flight experiences, and classroom training in the areas of knowledge they need for pilot certification.  The camps have resulted in another four students engaging in active flight and ground school training this year. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

The biggest challenge facing New Vision Aviation, the nonprofit that supports Next Gen Aviation, is achieving financial sustainability.  In 2024, the organization ran a deficit of about $55,000.  Their goal this year is to break even.  One revenue stream for New Vision Aviation is offering pilot training to adults.  Currently, 36 adult students are actively working toward attaining their pilot’s license.  The revenue from their aircraft rentals is providing financial support.  Costs for aircraft operations, hangar rental, insurance, and supplies continue to rise.  Oldham said, “Some of this is due to high levels of aircraft usage, but other factors such as inflation have had an impact.”   

Aircraft 

New Vision Aviation operates one primary training plane, a 1969 Cessna 150 that was purchased in 2023.  It is currently flying about 100 hours each month. Oldham explained, “We are also using one of the Pipistrel Alpha Electros to train our high school students and have four students using that plane currently.  We plan to get at least one other electric airplane operational for training and get our Cessna 172 back in service after an engine overhaul that should be completed next month.”   

To learn more about New Vision Aviation and the programs they provide, visit newvisionaviation.org.   

Next Gen Aviation is an Economic Development Initiative of Fresno DRIVE.  Fresno DRIVE is supported by the Central Valley Community Foundation.