A shiny silver airplane is parked indoors on artificial turf near a white “10” yard line, inside a large building with brick walls and big windows.
District News

Flour Bluff Students Build Aircraft With Guidance From Military Partners

By February 13, 2026February 20th, 2026No Comments

Flour Bluff ISD celebrated an important educational achievement on February 12 with the Hornet Aviation Rollout Ceremony, recognizing the completion of a two seat aircraft built by students in the Hornet Aviation Program at Flour Bluff High School. As part of Flour Bluff ISD’s Career and Technical Education classes,  the program gives students rare hands-on experience that few high schools in the nation can offer.

Students learn by working with aviation professionals, volunteer artisans, and industry partners who guide them through each part of the aircraft build. They gain skills in precision measurement, riveting, fitting, assembly, safety practices, and aviation concepts. This direct, real world instruction allows students to connect classroom learning to future career paths in aviation maintenance, engineering, piloting, and other technical fields.

The ceremony began with remarks from Staci Cade, Flour Bluff ISD Director of CTE, Assessment and Accountability. The National Champion Flour Bluff High School NJROTC presented the colors and led the pledges.

Deputy Superintendent Linda Medley, who founded the Hornet Aviation Program while serving as principal of Flour Bluff High School, spoke about the program’s creation and how it was designed to give students access to innovative and authentic learning opportunities.

Superintendent of Schools Chris Steinbruck thanked the instructors, volunteer artisans, and partners who make the program possible and who support students through each step of the aircraft build.

Kyle Hogan, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi and former commander of the Corpus Christi Army Depot, spoke about how valuable it is for students to gain early experience in technical and aviation fields. Colonel Kevin Consedine, current commander of the Corpus Christi Army Depot, emphasized the importance of programs that prepare students for future aviation careers.

Military partnerships hold a special place in the Flour Bluff ISD community. The district has a long history of working closely with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Army Depot, and many Flour Bluff  and Padre Island families have military ties. These relationships strengthen programs like Hornet Aviation and help students learn in an environment that reflects real aviation operations and expectations.

Students also shared their experiences in a panel led by Caleb Harris, Hornet Aviation Instructor. They described how meaningful it is to attend a school where they can build a functioning aircraft and learn directly from industry experts and community volunteers.

With the aircraft completed, it now enters the certification process. When certification is approved, the aircraft will be cleared for its first flight, giving students the opportunity to see the result of their work take to the sky.

The event highlighted the unique educational opportunities available at Flour Bluff High School and how the Hornet Aviation Program allows students to learn through innovative, future focused experiences that prepare them for real careers.

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