Desert Jet, the premier full-service business aviation company based in Greater Palm Springs, California, partnered with the Coachella Valley Unified School District and Desert Mirage High School located in Thermal, California, to provide high school seniors enrolled in the school’s aviation program, an opportunity to experience different aviation jobs firsthand through the company’s shadowing program.

Desert Jet’s Shadowing Program engaged students and enabled them to learn outside of the classroom by shadowing aviation professionals from Desert Jet’s three business entities – charter, aircraft maintenance, and FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in their work environment. Students experienced different jobs in business aviation and discovered the vast career opportunities they could pursue within the industry. The program also gave students one-on-one instructions on resume writing, applying for jobs, and how to prepare and present themselves for an interview.

“The experience at Desert Jet was awesome, overall,” said Desert Mirage High School student Juan Nuñez. “I think that my aviation teacher Mr. Mourhess did an excellent job working with the people at Desert Jet to make the experience very fun and having us look forward to the next visit every time. The whole experience was excellent from start to finish, and the people were nothing but friendly and always welcomed us with a smile.”

“The enthusiasm and support from Desert Jet were vital to helping our Aviation students re-engage after distance learning,” said Scott Mourhess, Desert Mirage High School aviation instructor. “Having the opportunity to be out of the classroom, in a real working environment with folks that come from this community, was a great source of inspiration for the kids as they move on to new pursuits after graduation. Next year’s students are already looking forward to the same experience!”

“Inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals is essential to the future of our industry and beneficial to the youth in our community,” said Desert Jet Chief Executive Officer Jared Fox. “Desert Jet is thrilled to bring aviation to life through our new shadowing program for the students enrolled in the fantastic aviation program at Desert Mirage H.S.”

The shadowing program extended beyond Desert Jet’s companies allowing students to tour the C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft and learn about aviation careers in aerial firefighting from the maintenance technicians onsite. Visiting pilots flying into Desert Jet Center were also intrigued by seeing the students on the ramp and were more than eager to volunteer their time to walk the students through the private jets they flew to the FBO. The pilots hope their companies also take the initiative, as Desert Jet has, to launch a shadowing program with local high schools to engage, educate, and inspire youth towards an aviation career.

About Desert Jet

Desert Jet is a group of aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and FBO companies based in Palm Springs/Thermal, California (KTRM). Desert Jet is a full-service aviation company providing jet owners with turn-key management for their aircraft.

Desert Jet’s on-demand charter offers private flyers a smarter alternative to fractional aircraft ownership and expensive membership programs. Desert Jet is committed to safety and security and is ARGUS Platinum rated, Wyvern Wingman certified, and IS-BAO Stage 3 registered.

Desert Jet Maintenance is an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station offering scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance and repair services to a wide variety of aircraft.

Desert Jet Center is a world-class independent FBO serving the needs of the business and the general aviation community at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM). The brand new 32,500-square-foot executive facility features a state-of-the-art, modern terminal and the only air-conditioned hangar in the entire Coachella Valley. Desert Jet Center is NATA Safety 1st certified and a designated NATA Safety 1st Clean location.

For more information about our services, visit www.desertjet.com or call (800) 381-JETS.

About Coachella Valley Unified School District

Coachella Valley Unified School District is proud to offer twenty Career Technical Education programs that are aligned to high demand, high wage careers. Students in all programs have the opportunity to job shadow and apply for internships with local businesses that partner with our district. Coachella Valley Unified values community partners and continues to expand programs that meet rigorous college and career readiness.

The Aviation program at Desert Mirage High School and the partnership with Desert Jet has allowed students to dream big and pursue future goals in the aviation field.

To learn more about the CVUSD, visit www.cvusd.us or call (760) 399-5137.