Seminole High School alum helps students earn their wings through aviation program

SANFORD, Fla. — To become a pilot, it takes a lot of money, and a lot of hours in the air.

But for students at Seminole High School in Sanford, a former student and longtime supporter of the school and the community is helping those future pilots get their wings early.

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His work is also saving them thousands of dollars in the process.

Soaring high above Central Florida are students from Seminole High Schools Air Force ROTC as well as the aviation program.

The students are getting the opportunity of a lifetime to earn flight hours towards becoming a pilot.

The person responsible for helping the young pilots get their wings is Charles Davis, a 1987 Seminole High School graduate.

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This isn’t the first thing he’s done for the school.

Davis has done a lot for the athletic department, including raising money to get Seminole High School’s football field renovated.

Davis is now delivering students into the air, free of charge, on private planes thanks to the Orlando Sanford Flying Club.

Some flights take groups of students from the Orlando Sanford International Airport to the Space Coast and back.

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To get a pilot’s license is expensive it typically costs between $7,500 and $9,500 to get a private pilot’s license.

Davis said some of the students could earn enough hours before they are done with high school.

The experience could lead to airline industry jobs for those involved.

With Davis, the sky is the limit, and he’s already working on his next project to help Seminole High School.

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