Q. What is the National Flight Academy’s Mission?

NFA inspires, engages and educates by delivering uniquely innovative, fully immersive, aviation inspired Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) learning experiences and 21st Century Learning Skills.

Q. When does the Ambition Program begin?

The Ambition Program opens the week of  9 June 2013.  See schedule

Q. How do I sign up for the Ambition Program?

Online registration is available here

Q. What ages are able to attend?

The Ambition Program is an in-residence educational facility focused on ages 11 through 17 and incoming grades 7 through 12.  Professional Development, Corporate Team Building and Teacher Training programs are available throughout the year.

Q. How long is the Ambition Program?

5.5-day educational programs are aimed at students in (incoming) grades 7 through 12. Additionally, highly customized corporate team building, teacher training, professional development and other more specialized programs have also been developed.

Q. Where is the facility located?

The National Flight Academy’s in-residence program is offered on our virtual aircraft carrier, Ambition, located adjacent to the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

Q. How large is the facility?

The National Flight Academy is a 102,000 sq. ft. four-story structure, complete with accommodations for up to 108 Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs). The interior of the facility is modeled as a modern aircraft carrier, complete with Ready Rooms, Intelligence & Operations Centers, and extensive simulation space. Additionally, the building has full capability to host video and teleconferences.

Q. How much is tuition?

Tuition for the five and a half-day Ambition for AXPs program is $1,250.  Pricing for customized programs including professional development is available on request at sales@nationalflightacademy.com or 850-458-7836 toll free 877-552-3632.

Q. Are there scholarship and grant opportunities for interested AXPs?

Yes. A scholarship program, Ambition Boost, has been developed in order to make the Ambition program a reality for as many students as possible. We are committed to providing scholarships that enables students from all backgrounds to attend. The Ambition Boost program allows the National Flight Academy to enroll deserving students who may not otherwise have access to our program. Information on application for scholarships can be found on the Ambition Boost page.

Q. Why the National Flight Academy?

According to experts ranging from White House advisors to national leaders in education, the state of math and science instruction in the United States is in crisis. Statistics prove the skills of American students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are declining in relation to students from other industrialized nations. Ignorance of STEM concepts inhibits the talent development required to lead in the technology-rich twenty-first century. The National Flight Academy is designed to help address these serious concerns. In order to address this challenge, we must first inspire our youth’s interest in science and math related fields. The National Flight Academy accomplishes this by using the intrinsic motivation of flight! The National Flight Academy team currently includes the best and brightest from the academic arena as well as the latest technology in the fields of simulation, training, and education all wrapped in an intriguing, immersive story. This immersive environment, coupled with the most innovative methods in instruction, will foster a desire to learn and pursue the math and sciences that open the doors to science and engineering degrees, which lead to the careers of tomorrow.

Q. What is the National Flight Academy’s relationship to the Navy and military?

The National Flight Academy, a program of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc., is authorized but not endorsed or funded by the US Navy or the US Government.

Q. Is the National Flight Academy actually a military academy.

No. Although located on Naval Air Station Pensacola, and utilizing Naval Aviation as a motivating theme and educational delivery method, the National Flight Academy is a formal educational venture and will, as its mission states, inspire and educate youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Q. Is the NFA Ambition Program a flight school.

No.

What makes up the curriculum or educational program?

The curriculum, developed by the University of West Florida, includes aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation, aviation physiology and meteorology. However, the National Flight Academy is more than just academics. A fully immersive gaming environment is the centerpiece for students to participate in exciting missions. Each mission is aligned to the National Common Core Standards for Math and Science. An additional area of focus is on 21st Century Core Competencies, to include emphasis on core values, leadership development, peer teaming/cooperative learning, effective communication and public speaking.

Q. Is the educational content accredited and does it count towards high school or college credit?

The exciting and innovative academic program and curriculum developed by the University of West Florida is vetted through professional educators and local, state and national universities to achieve accreditation. College credit (one semester hour) is available for incoming juniors and seniors.

Q. What can family members of attending AXPs to do in the Pensacola area?

During the week their child is enrolled in the Ambition Program, parents will have the opportunity to explore the sites and delights of Pensacola, the 450-year old City of Five Flags and the Gulf Coast. Fine dining, museums, including the National Naval Aviation Museum, outdoor adventure and 52 miles of pristine beaches make Pensacola and the Gulf Coast a wonderful family vacation destination.

Q. Is the Ambition Program accredited through the American Camp Association (ACA)?

The Ambition Program is currently in the process of securing ACA accreditation. ACA ensures a safe and effective camp operation. Their review comprehensively covers all aspects of camp operations including severe weather plans, health services, staff vetting, staff training, food service, and facility infrastructure. More information can be found at the American Camp Association website, www.acacamps.org.

Q. Where will the AXPs sleep?

Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs) attending the Ambition Program will berth in accommodations designed to replicate junior officer staterooms found on aircraft carriers. Six AXPs are assigned to a room on the facility’s third and fourth floors. Additionally, male and female AXPs are placed in separate areas based on age and gender. Professional security personnel and overnight residence assistants (RA) presence in each berthing area are provided when youth programs are in operation.

Q. What about the security and well-being of my child?

Full-time, 24/7 physical and electronic security are provided throughout the facility when programs are in session. Access to the National Flight Academy facility, especially the berthing and academic floors, is monitored and closely controlled by proximity card readers. Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs) are issued hotel-room like keys that allow access to their berthing areas, assigned staterooms, and work spaces. During program hours, each squadron of AXPs is assigned a full-time staff “facilitator”. Outside of those hours, overnight staff resident assistants, healthcare professionals, and trained security personnel are on-site. Security cameras monitor common areas and all hallways. A fully qualified nursing staff led by an RN oversees a four-bunk sickbay on-site, along with storage and administration of specialized medications. Safety and medical care is based on requirements set forth by the American Camping Association. For more information about the security company used for overnight hours, please see the following link: Securitas Security Services.

Q. How many and what kind of staff support the National Flight Academy?

The NFA Ambition staff includes full-time, part-time and contract positions consisting of program management, operations, facility management educational facilitators and professionally certified and experienced secondary-school educators.

Q. Are persons with disabilities able to attend?

Yes. The facility is fully designed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Q. How can I support the National Flight Academy?

The National Flight Academy relies on the generosity of donors to make this engaging experience possible. Charitable contributions to the National Flight Academy support education and outreach initiatives, facilities, scholarships and virtually every aspect of the National Flight Academy’s mission. To make a donation, contact the National Flight Academy at info@nationalflightacademy.com or 850-458-7836 toll free 877-552-3632.

Q. What is the National Flight Academy’s relationship to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and the National Naval Aviation Museum?

The National Flight Academy is a self-supporting Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) under the 501(c) 3 non-profit Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The Foundation also directly supports the National Naval Aviation Museum.