On May 2, 2023, Dr. Lee Burket, PDE Bureau of Career and Technical Education Director, disseminated a PennLink email titled New CTE Programs Available to Prepare Students to Pursue Careers in Aviation – Apply by May 31, 2023. The memo states that new career and technical education programs in aviation are now available for the 2023-24 school year and that school districts, charter schools, and career and technical centers have until May 31, 2023 to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for approval to offer the program beginning in the 2023-24 school year.

Program Overview
The programs are designed to engage and prepare secondary students interested in pursuing careers in aviation. The following programs have been added as Classification of Instruction Program (CIP) codes to the list of eligible CTE programs:
CIP Code 47.0607, Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
CIP Code 47.0608, Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
CIP Code 47.0609, Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
CIP Code 49.0101, Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
CIP Code 49.0102, Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
CIP Code 49.0109, Remote Aircraft Pilot

Program Approval
Schools may apply now for program approval through MyPDESuite. Note that approved career and technical education programs must offer a minimum of 720 hours of technical instruction. If you have any questions, please contact Jean Kelleher at (717) 783-6962 or [email protected].