Aviation Career Exploration Program

The Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Program in East Haven is a first-of-its-kind, five-month after-school program designed for middle schoolers to learn about aviation and aerospace careers. Created in 2022 by East Haven Public Schools, Avelo Airlines, and the Boy Scouts of America, it offers hands-on training to approximately 50 students from Joseph Melillo Middle School and East Haven Academy. 

The program offers: 

Hands-on Aviation Lessons: Students learn directly from professional pilots and industry instructors.

Flight Simulation: Participants use state-of-the-art flight simulators.

Real Flight Experience: The program features a flight lesson with a professional instructor and an orientation trip on an Avelo Airlines 737.

Field Trips: Activities include visits to airports, control towers, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.