Hornet Aviation Program Completes Historic First Flight

Hornet Aviation Program Completes Historic First Flight

On May 26, 2026, Flour Bluff ISD students reached new heights as the Hornet Aviation Program completed its historic first flight over the Flour Bluff ISD campuses. The milestone marked the first aircraft ever built by Flour Bluff High School students and stood as a powerful example of what class, pride, and heart look like in action.

The day began at Corpus Christi International Airport as community leaders, military partners, students, industry partners, and supporters gathered inside the Atlantic Aviation Hangar to celebrate the achievement years in the making. Remarks were delivered by Flour Bluff ISD Superintendent Chris Steinbruck, Colonel Kevin Consedine of Corpus Christi Army Depot, and Splendid Aviation’s Christopher Mayes, each recognizing the dedication, discipline, and teamwork that carried the project from the classroom to the runway.

At 9:18 a.m., the Hornet Aviation aircraft departed CCIA with pilot Christopher Mayes and Hornet Aviation senior Barrett Matthews onboard for the inaugural flight. As the aircraft climbed into the sky, students, staff, and community members lined the sidewalks of Flour Bluff ISD to witness the aircraft fly proudly over Flour Bluff ISD and Corpus Christi Army Depot. The historic flight concluded safely back at Corpus Christi International Airport at 9:49 a.m., marking another major milestone for the student built aircraft.

For many in attendance, the flyover was more than a flight. It was a moment that reflected the spirit of Flour Bluff ISD and the opportunities created when students are challenged to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in what they can accomplish together.

As a deeply military connected school district, Flour Bluff ISD’s partnership with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Army Depot continues to provide students with unique educational experiences tied directly to aviation, aerospace, engineering, and technical careers. Many Flour Bluff ISD families have longstanding ties to military service, and the Hornet Aviation Program reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce while honoring the strong relationship between the school district and the military community that surrounds it.

Corpus Christi Army Depot plays a critical role not only in the Coastal Bend, but in supporting the readiness of the United States military. CCAD serves as the nation’s premier helicopter repair, maintenance, overhaul, and recapitalization facility, helping sustain military aviation operations around the world. Through the dedication of CCAD’s artisan workforce and leadership, Flour Bluff ISD students were able to learn directly from highly skilled professionals whose work supports the safety and readiness of American service members every day.

Naval Air Station Corpus Christi also remains one of the nation’s most important centers for military aviation training. Known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” NAS Corpus Christi has trained generations of Navy and Marine Corps aviators who have gone on to serve around the world. The partnership between NAS Corpus Christi and Flour Bluff ISD provides students with direct exposure to the aviation industry and highlights the important role aviation continues to play in both national defense and the Coastal Bend economy.

Under the leadership of aviation instructor Caleb Harris, students in the Hornet Aviation Program spent more than two years building the aircraft and learning every phase of aircraft construction. Working through a partnership with Tango Flight, students gained hands on experience in aviation manufacturing, engineering, safety procedures, sheet metal work, riveting, electronics, and aircraft systems. Students also studied aviation fundamentals including weather, navigation, airspace, and flight operations while preparing for careers in aviation and aerospace industries.

The aircraft, a Vans RV-12iS, became a flying classroom that connected students directly to real world learning opportunities. Throughout the build, artisan volunteers from Corpus Christi Army Depot worked alongside students, sharing professional expertise and mentorship that helped guide the project from start to finish. Splendid Aviation provided critical support through aircraft storage, testing, and flight operations, while Naval Air Station Corpus Christi coordinated the sterilization of local airspace to safely allow the aircraft to fly over Flour Bluff ISD and CCAD during the historic event.

The Hornet Aviation Program continues to showcase the strength of partnerships throughout the Coastal Bend. Students have participated in field experiences and career exploration opportunities with aviation professionals across the region, helping connect classroom learning to future careers in aviation maintenance, engineering, piloting, and advanced manufacturing.
The completed aircraft has already been sold to a buyer in North Texas, demonstrating the professionalism and craftsmanship behind the student built project. Even as the first aircraft took flight, the future of the program was already moving forward. Under Caleb Harris’ leadership, Hornet Aviation students have already begun construction on their second aircraft, continuing a tradition of innovation and opportunity for future generations of Hornets.

The first flight of the Hornet Aviation aircraft was a moment of celebration for the entire Flour Bluff ISD community. It reflected the pride of students who committed themselves to something extraordinary, the heart of mentors and partners who invested their time and knowledge, and the class of a school district committed to preparing students for the future through meaningful, hands on experiences.

Community and industry partners interested in supporting Flour Bluff ISD Career and Technical Education opportunities can sign up here: https://flourbluffschools.net/cte/partnership/.