- Aspen School District
- Programs
- Aviation Program
Redefining Higher Education
About the ASD Aviation Program
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The Aspen School District (ASD) aviation program brings the benefits of an aeronautical education to students in Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley, and beyond. The ASD aviation program offers a unique, meaningful, and challenging aeronautical education for middle and high school students. Whatever the students' goals are within the Aerospace industry, our aviation program supports them reaching new heights!
Students have an opportunity to:
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Learn how aircraft fly and how they are controlled.
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Learn how to pilot a small airplane.
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Experience the joy of flying.
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See our beautiful world from a different perspective.
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Learn how to use science and mathematics to understand aerodynamics and weather.
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Learn how an airplane engine works.
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Learn good judgment and self-reliance by piloting an airplane that builds decision-making skills.
The Aspen School District (ASD) aviation program was established in 2013 to provide an extraordinary opportunity for students to pursue aeronautical education. Dedicated professionals and community leaders support the aviation program to provide a one-of-kind experience for the students. The aviation program leverages workforce experience, industry leading simulators and aircraft, and the education system to ensure quality experiences leading to lifelong learning and career success.
Mission Statement
To provide a rigorous aviation focused educational program preparing students for unlimited opportunities, including college achievement, career success, and engaged citizenship.
Vision Statement
To establish and maintain a culture of aviation excellence by providing our students with the opportunity to pursue their aspirations within the aerospace industry, emphasizing the three concepts of Safety First, Professionalism, and Pursuit of Excellence. -
Aviation Courses
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Aviation I - Introduction to Aviation & Aerospace
This course, designed by AOPA, will provide the foundation for advanced exploration in the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, air traffic control, operations, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible. Students will also learn about the wide variety of exciting and rewarding careers available to them.
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Aviation II - Introduction to Flight
This course will introduce students to basic aircraft and UAS structures and their major components, principles of flight, and the fundamental physical laws affecting flight. Students will learn about basic aerodynamics and forces that act on aircraft in flight. This course will also introduce the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS. Whether your interests are in flying aircraft, engineering, air traffic control, meteorology, or you just want to find out more about an exciting way to apply math and science in your life, this course is for you. If students are interested in becoming a pilot, this course will support you in becoming a Private Pilot.
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Aviation III - Aviation Fundamentals
This course will include topics such as: pilot and aircraft qualifications, principles of flight, aerodynamics, spin awareness, flight maneuvers, pre- and post-flight procedures, airport operations, regulations, safety, weather, aircraft systems, weight and balance, human factors, cockpit management, emergency procedures, night operations, aeronautical decision-making, cross-country flight planning, airspace, and other topics that help prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot written exam.
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Aviation IV - Advanced Flight
After having prepared for the Private Pilot Knowledge Test and Part 107 Remote Pilot Test in the previous year, students will examine advanced aviation topics and aviation career options. Instrument flight, commercial aviation, and advanced aircraft systems begin the semester. Looking into the future, students then explore new horizons in the aerospace industry. What might aviation look like five, ten, or twenty years into the future? The focus then turns to business development opportunities in aviation. Finally, students learn about and conduct different types of research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.







Meet the Team
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Aviation Director and Instructor of Aeronautics
Garrett is an instructor, Soldier, coach, husband, and father. Contact Information Phone:970.925.3760Ext.2106 Email:gseddon@aspenk12.net
Garrett Seddon, Aviation Director and Instructor of Aeronautics
Garrett joined the Aspen School District (ASD) full time in July 2021 to utilize his experience and knowledge to help achieve the ASD Aviation Program mission. Garrett has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Flight from Southern Illinois University. He is a certificated flight instructor with over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry.
Before working at the ASD, Garrett worked in airport management at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Florida and the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Colorado. While working in airport management, Garrett ensured airfield safety and compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration through safety oversight and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting.
After airport management, Garrett worked for the Colorado Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology in Rifle Colorado. As the Unmanned Systems Project Manager, Garrett led the research and implementation of new unmanned systems technology, software, and other advancements that improved the safety and efficiency of first responders. Garrett managed the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program for the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
In 2009, Garrett commissioned in the United States Army into the Adjutant General Corps. He has served in the Colorado Army National Guard as a human resources manager for multiple units, the Commander of the 104th Public Affairs Detachment, the Public Affairs Officer for the Colorado Army National Guard, and is currently the Commander of the Headquarters Headquarters Detachment located at Joint Forces Headquarters in Centennial, Colorado.
In his current role as the Director of Aviation and Instructor of Aeronautics, Garrett shares his passion for aviation with students and staff. He teaches classes at the middle and high schools with the mission to have students pursue their aspirations within the aerospace industry. -
Flight Instructor
Nicolas (or Nick) is an instructor and recent graduate of Purdue University’s flight program.
Nicolas Kass joined Aspen Flight Academy full time in July 2021 in order to pursue teaching the future of aviation. Nicolas, has a Bachelors of Science in Professional Flight from Purdue University prestigious School of Aviation. Nicolas is a certified flight instructor with hundreds of hours of experience both in teaching and in received instruction.
Prior to Aspen Flight Academy, Nicolas served as a flight instructor for Purdue University. During his time in this role, Nicolas had the opportunity to teach students of various backgrounds and goals. Nicolas received a safety recognition award for assisting in an off airport landing.
After working for Purdue University, Nicolas went on to serve as an instructor for the Able Flight program. During this role Nicolas had the opportunity to educate physically disabled students how to fly in an accelerated course. Within two months Students with minimal background in aviation received their Sport Pilot certificates.
In Nicolas’s current role as full time flight instructor, he is devoted to making sure students receive the best education in the safest manner possible. He educates students in both ground in flight instruction, sharing his passion for aviation and dedication towards lifting students towards their goals. -
Flight Instructor
Shahyon is a graduate of Purdue University’s flight program and an instructor.
Shahyon is a graduate of Purdue University’s flight program and brings his knowledge and experience of a world class flight school to the Roaring Fork Valley. Shahyon started flying when he was 18 and quickly became a CFII at the age of 20. Coming from a family with no ties to aviation, he found his passion for flying by coincidence from a neighbor who was an airline pilot and now hopes to create that same spark for young pilots and motivate them into careers in aviation.
Every Student Flies
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Careers in aviation start with a free flight.
Aspen High School students will receive a FREE flight lesson from a Certified Flight Instructor at the Aspen Airport.
Sign-ups begin in September
For more information, please click here!