New Mexico high school students are getting an opportunity to earn a pilot's license through a program at Southwest Aeronautics Mathematics and Science (SAMS) Academy in Albuquerque.
Nearly 100 students are enrolled at the academy, which is focused on aviation, according to KRQE. Students must be committed to the program.
"[They need] cross-country hours; they need night flights; they need solo flights; they have to learn how to do over a dozen FAA maneuvers," Lauren Chavez, director of aeronautics at SAMS Academy, said.
Each student is recognized as an FAA-certified pilot upon completion of the program, KRQE reported.
"It's exactly why I'm here," Valente Garcia, a student in the program, said. "I've never heard of anything like it."
The program is so successful that organizers are contemplating adding sixth graders, according to KRQE. Students must be 16 years old before they can fly solo, per FAA rules.