Utah Rotor Pathway Program holds 4th Annual Fly-In Award-winning program introduces students to helicopter industry careers. The Utah Rotor Pathway Program (URPP) held its fourth annual fly-in on Oct. 14, 2025, at Olympus High School in Holladay, Utah. The event, which featured multiple helicopters and numerous industry displays, introduced students to the world of vertical aviation and its many exciting career opportunities. Over 300 students from six school districts attended. Helicopters used in a wide range of missions, including air ambulance, utility work, firefighting, training, and charters, were flown in by several companies located throughout Utah. The fly-in also featured pilots and aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) sharing their experience in and passion for the helicopter industry. During a panel discussion with the students, the pilots and AMTs talked about how they got started in aviation, the tremendous opportunities available in the helicopter industry, and how the students could begin a rewarding career in vertical aviation. “It was wonderful to see the tremendous number of students who came to learn more about the helicopter industry,” says Chris Cox, Southern Utah University, Deputy Executive Director, School of Aviation and URPP chair. “The URPP fly-in allows students to interact with those already in the industry, see helicopters up close, and learn how they can pursue great careers in this field.” “We’re pleased to partner with the Utah Rotor Pathway Program to provide an opportunity for our students to take aviation classes, engage with the industry, and connect with an industry that has such in-demand careers,” says Sandra Hemmert, career and technical education coordinator at Granite School District, which serves Holladay. “I want to thank all the companies that so generously provided their time and resources to participate in this event.” Industry partners participating in the fly-in included AirMed, Bristow Group Inc., Intermountain Health, Mountain West Helicopters, SOREN, Southern Utah University, Universal Helicopters, Utah Helicopter, and Utah State University. About the Utah Rotor Pathway Program The Utah Rotor Pathway Program (URPP) is a first-in-the-nation model for education and training programs preparing high school students for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers in rotary-wing aviation as helicopter pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. The URPP provides students with an avenue to earn college credits and learn skills specific to rotary-wing aviation while participating in technical classes and hands-on learning experiences at the secondary-school level. Students are provided with pathways to follow-on flight or maintenance training that leads to careers as licensed aviation professionals. The program also connects rotorcraft industry professionals with high schools, flight schools, and universities to offer benefits such as mentoring, internships, and job interviews to participating students. Learn more at utahrotor.org.
