Gwinnett's Maxwell High Receives Donation for Aircraft Flight Operations Program

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students will receive additional training and a seat in the cockpit at Maxwell High School of Technology thanks to a recent donation to the charter school’s aircraft flight operations program. The donor, Laminar Research, is a longtime supporter of Maxwell High students.

“Laminar Research is proud to be a partner with Gwinnett County Public Schools and the Aircraft Flight Operations Program at Maxwell High School of Technology,” says Austin Meyer, developer and owner of X-Plane. “Our goal is to make an investment in education for the Aircraft Flight Operations Program, benefitting students who are our future aviators, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, dispatchers, and aviation business leaders.”

Maxwell High School of Technology appreciates Laminar Research’s most recent donation of 40 Version 9, X-Plane, Commercial, Pro-Use, USB, Software keys valued at $40,000, a gift that will enrich the academic careers of aviation students. “Our aircraft flight operations program provides a seamless transition for students who are looking to make aviation a full-time career. With continued support from business partners like Austin Meyer and exceptional instruction from Captain Ken Phelps, I know our students are well-prepared for a career in the field of aviation,” says Dr. Jeff Hall, principal of Maxwell High School of Technology.

The donation came about as a result of conversations between Mr. Meyer and Captain Phelps, the program’s instructor. The two aviation experts have worked together since Maxwell High first launched the program in 2009. Mr. Meyer provided the initial commercial software at the inception of the Aircraft Flight Operations Program and since then has provided continuous support to Maxwell High’s program, expanding and enhancing the educational experiences of students.

A former pilot with Delta Airlines, Captain Ken Phelps joined the school district in 2009 to help launch the program. He flew with Delta for close to three decades, starting in 1979. Since his retirement, he has served as a consultant for NASA on different studies. Phelps earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Barry University, and holds certification and licenses in several different aviation specialties.

The Aircraft Flight Operations Program at Maxwell High School of Technology provides students just-in-time training in the field of air flight operations. Students graduate from Gwinnett County Public Schools prepared to continue their air flight training at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved sites with no gaps in training.

Maxwell High School of Technology invites members of the news media to see students in action using the new flight simulation software. To coordinate a visit to the school, reporters should contact the Department of Communication and Media Relations by calling 678-301-6020.