Dylan Pyatt dress in his Air Force blues standing in front of the American Flag.

All over Buncombe County Schools (BCS) you will find exceptional students from grades K-12. Enka High School’s Dylan Pyatt is just one of the thousands of students excelling not only inside the classroom, but outside as well. Dylan is the first in BCS to be accepted into the AIM High Flight Academy for the U.S. Air Force. This program is geared towards students looking to take their passion for aviation to new heights. This is a $20,000 scholarship for three weeks of flight training where he will receive course work and 15 flight hours.

“I thought it was a great opportunity even though I would have to work hard to get into the program. I’ve always really liked aviation,” Pyatt said.

Dylan’s thoughts on a career in aviation and the military took off at a young age. “I’ve always had a passion for the military since I was little, I started thinking about aviation in sixth grade,” Pyatt said. “That’s what I want to do in the military.’”

The AIM HIGH Flight Academy is for full-time students in high school, college, or enlisted service members between the ages of 16 and 23. Pyatt is one of only 136 people selected out of more than 3,000 who applied this year.

“The AIM HIGH Flight Academy is a STEM-based program that focuses on flying and the different parts of the airplane. You are learning to fly the plane, but also learning what the instrument dials do. It’s an introduction to flying and being safe doing it. It feels awesome to have been selected.” Pyatt said.

Pyatt said applicants needed letters of recommendation from their school, an outside organization, and a GPA over 3.5. Students selected for the AIM HIGH Flight Academy will have all their expenses paid for by the Air Force Recruiting Services.

Dylan will participate in the AIM HIGH Flight Academy program that runs from June 26 to July 14, 2023 at Elizabeth City State University, in Elizabeth City. We wish him the best of luck on this exciting endeavor.