A new pathway at NC takes flight

Mackenzie Blanco, Copy Editor

March 31, 2025

As of August 2025, NC will initiate the first-ever pilot pathway for students who desire to enter the field of pilotry. With this four-level course, students will learn the basics and physics of a plane and eventually, they will advance to learn to fly the plane itself. This pathway will open doors for young individuals and add a special pilot trainee diploma seal to their college resume — ultimately showcasing their post-high school preparedness for future endeavors.

With the heightened number of plane crashes in the past couple of months and the hundreds of deaths that have occurred, Cobb County has permitted NC to create the first ever pilot pathway. Starting Fall 2025, NC will allow students to register for the newest pilot pathway in hopes of building up a generation of superb pilots.

“I have seen all of the recent plane incidents throughout the news and it has been truly devastating. While not all of the crashes have been caused by the pilots’ expertise, I am glad that NC is taking action and trying to help lead a future of upcoming pilots. I am personally hoping to take at least one level of the pilot pathway, so I am excited to see where it takes me,” junior Lisa Williams said.

The pathway will consist of four levels, starting with the basics in level one: plane construction. Understanding the mechanics of a plane and how it travels while in the air remains important for a pilot because it helps them acknowledge when emergencies arise or when to proceed with caution during flight. Each level will educate students on different topics such as aircraft systems, aerodynamics and the importance of safety when managing a plane.

NC hopes to bring light to the various plane incidents that resulted in hundreds of deaths worldwide through this pathway so that families no longer need to fear for their safety while boarding an aircraft. Taught by airline captain Kate McWilliams, the course will contain a myriad of hands-on learning experiences as well as field trips to local aircraft boneyards and flight schools to provide an educational insight into their potential future career.

“This would be my first time teaching a pilot pathway, so this will be a first-time experience for me as well as for NC. I am honored to take this position and show young individuals how amazing the world of pilotry is and how much it means to me. While I am still in the stage of creating lesson plans for this Fall, I am already so beyond excited to begin this new chapter,” McWilliams said.

While McWilliams stands as a fresh recruit for NC, her vast experience in the field of pilotry will shine through her students and create change for the future of airlines such as Delta, Spirit and Southwest.

April Fools, you fool!

XOXO,

The Chant

april fool's

Donate to The Chant

$125

$500

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of North Cobb High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributor

Mackenzie Blanco, Copy Editor

Mackenzie Blanco, a magnet junior, continues her time on The Chant as a copy editor for the 2024-2025 school year. Ever since she could remember, Blanco has admired utilizing her writing skills to release her creative thoughts and steadfast opinions. As her second year on The Chant unfolds, Blanco continues to explore her writing style, the realm of editing and ultimately build up her view of the journalism field, which she aspires to pursue in college. Blanco envisions her junior year to be full of new opportunities, friendships and exceptional advancements for The Chant, while also maintaining a proud stance of her other commitments. Outside of the Pub Office, Blanco can be found spinning her equipment as a member of NC’s Color Guard, on walks with her dog, Chico, going on strenuous hikes, baking yummy treats or spending time at church—alongside her favorite people. She is also a co-leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a member of NC’s Bible study club, Collective Hope. Blanco hopes that The Chant will continue to bring her the inspiration to make an impact on the world with her writing. Find her on Instagram @mackenzie.blanco3.