Flour Bluff ISD students build plane with Corpus Christi Army Depot mentorship

Flour Bluff ISD and the Corpus Christi Army Depot signed an agreement Thursday morning for a partnership supporting the district's aviation maintenance program.

Flour Bluff ISD's Tango Flight program gives students the opportunity to build a FAA-certified two-seat airplane over the course of two years. Corpus Christi Army Depot will support the program through field trips, student mentorship and sharing knowledge of aviation mechanics with students.

"CCAD as an anchor institution of the Coastal Bend is investing its time and energy into the Tango Flight program at Flour Bluff High School," CCAD Commander Kyle Hogan said. "We believe that it provides character and leadership development first and foremost, but also critical skill sets and training for these young students to transition to adulthood."

Flour Bluff ISD Superintendent Chris Steinbruck said the advantage for the school is that CCAD experts have years of experience in aviation and are willing to mentor students.

"That expertise allows access to resources that we would not have without the Depot's partnership," Steinbruck said. "It's a definite advantage, giving kids the skills they need to be able to enter the work force prepared right out of high school."

Incoming senior Zachrey Cox participated in the first year of the Tango Flight program last year.

"I really enjoyed it," Cox said. "The plane itself is like building a big Lego piece. It's fun to me and all of my friends."

Students began work on the plane last year and hope to finish by May, teacher Jesus Hernandez said.