Originally posted on February 14, 2025
Mehtab Sandhu, a 2021 graduate of Chisholm Trail High School, recently took center stage at the 2024 Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) You Can Fly High School Aviation Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, sharing his journey from a high school aviation student to an aspiring commercial pilot.
Before an audience of more than 500 aviation professionals, educators and students, Sandhu spoke about his experiences in EMS ISD’s aviation program and the mentors who helped shape his career.
Sandhu's journey into aviation began at the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC), where he enrolled in the district’s aviation program as a high school junior.
The program, open to juniors and seniors across EMS ISD’s four high schools, uses AOPA’s specialized curriculum and features flight simulators that provide students with hands-on training.
“EMS ISD has helped me a lot throughout my career so far. I'm extremely blessed to have been part of EMS ISD since kindergarten,” Sandhu said. “The way every teacher has pushed me to be the best—I would love to name some teachers who inspired me a lot when I was a kid, like Ms. Bragg, principal of Greenfield Elementary; Ms. Dixon; Coach Hibbard; and Ms. Ethzal, my third-grade teacher. Then Mr. Rick Griffith prepares you for the real world.”
Griffith, the aerospace instructor at HCTC, was also featured in the video produced by AOPA that highlighted Sandhu’s achievements as an example of what high school students can accomplish through strong aviation education programs.
The video showcased Sandhu’s training and flight experiences, giving attendees an inside look at how EMS ISD prepares students for careers in a highly in-demand field.
“It was an honor speaking at the AOPA event, and it was a privilege to meet great mentors of mine who inspire me,” Sandhu said. “Nathan Miller, a former Blue Angel pilot, his expertise and mentorship have helped me a lot. The experience was unreal—more than 500 people watching me as I was giving a speech. It was a privilege to be up on that stage.”
Since graduating, Sandhu has continued his pilot training and now flies privately while working toward his goal of becoming a commercial pilot. He also finds joy in teaching the next generation of aviators.
“Flying is one of the best things I have ever done. I'm always happy to go fly a trip or even teach a student. When your student finally understands something, or when they pass a practical test, that is one of the happiest moments in my life as a flight instructor.”
As the demand for pilots continues to grow, programs like EMS ISD’s program at HCTC provide students with a direct path into the industry, offering valuable training and real-world experience at the high school level.
We are #EMSproud of Mehtab Sandhu. His success is a testament to the impact of CTE programs in EMS ISD and the world-class educators who support students in achieving their dreams.
