Think like
a pilot.

An immersive aviation experience where young aviators learn to think like professional pilots: assess real conditions, weigh real tradeoffs, and make real decisions.

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A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, led by a professional pilot.

Captain Gheorghe Ciobanu leading a Young Aviators Lab session
35
Young aviators
2
Impactful small sessions
200+
Families ready to fly
7-13
Ages welcome
Free
Every seat
How it works

Kids make real flying decisions.

I put them in the pilot’s seat. They weigh the conditions and make the call. Real decisions, with real reasoning behind them.

  1. 01

    Read the weather

    Decode the real reports pilots read before every flight.

  2. 02

    Pick the aircraft

    Match the airplane to the mission and defend the choice.

  3. 03

    Make the call

    Go or no-go. They decide, and they own it.

Inside the Lab

Previous flights.

Young aviators at Flight 002Flight 002
Hands-on aviation activity at Flight 002Flight 002
Flight planning at Flight 002Flight 002
Young aviators at Flight 001Flight 001
Decoding weather at Flight 001Flight 001
Making a go or no-go call at Flight 001Flight 001
Choosing an aircraft at Flight 001Flight 001
Young aviators with their instructor at Flight 002Flight 002
“
That was the coolest thing I’ve done all month.
Kristen C.’s son, after Flight 001
What parents say

Reviews from previous flights.

“Engaging, educational, and incredibly well organized. The kids came home talking nonstop about aviation.”

Meisnan S. · Flight 002 parent

“A wonderful experience with a real pilot. He explained everything in a way they could understand. Highly recommend.”

Sharon S. · Flight 001 parent

“The lesson was engaging, age appropriate, and incredibly creative. We were incredibly impressed.”

Kristen C. · Flight 001 parent

“A really fun experience for my kid whose dream is to become a pilot. I highly recommend it.”

Mariana S. · Flight 001 parent

“Engaging, educational, and truly inspiring. You could see how captivated the kids were throughout.”

Lia T. · Flight 001 parent

“Informative, engaging, and fun. I can’t wait to see what other sessions are like.”

Emmy W. · Flight 001 parent
Gheorghe Ciobanu beside a Flexjet jet on the ramp

The right experience at the right age can change a life.

It changed mine.

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Gheorghe Ciobanu as a teenage cadet and today as a Flexjet captain
From the founder

Built by a captain who started at 12.

I was 12 when a Civil Air Patrol flight changed the course of my life. I went on to solo in High School, train at Purdue, and today I fly the Praetor 500/600 for Flexjet. I built Young Aviators Lab to give the next child that same turning point.

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