Aviation/Transportation

Joshua Vanterpool
Aviation/Transportation Pathway Developer
303-387-7814 | jvanterpool1@dcsdk12.org

Josh Vanterpool grew up in Colorado Springs, CO.  After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force where he started his aviation career as a jet engine mechanic working on F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 Raptor power plants.  While in the USAF, Josh pursued his interest of becoming a pilot by pursuing flight training at the Edwards AFB flying club. His first touch-n-go was on a dry lake bed at Edwards. After finishing his enlistment with the USAF, Josh moved to San Diego to finish his flight training. He also enrolled at Embry-Riddle University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics and earn his Certified Flight Instructor ratings. In the same time period, Josh carried over his experience as a jet engine mechanic from the USAF to earn his Airframe and Powerplant License. Josh built his flight time as a Flight Instructor and SkyDive Pilot. For the better part of his career, he has balanced being a flight instructor, aircraft mechanic and business owner, leasing aircraft he owned to flying clubs. His most recent achievement was flying a LearJet for a charter company at Centennial Airport.

Josh is a proud father of three, all who attend school in Douglas County School District.  Josh and his wife enjoy exploring the outdoors and spending time with family. He looks forward to working with DCSD students to help them grow their passion and understanding of aviation and its close-knit community. 

FAA Certifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, A&P, IA, LearJet Type Rating.

 Education: Embry-Riddle, BS Professional Aeronautics, Minor Aviation Safety

Chris Sorah
Aviation - Instructor
303-387-7820 | CSorah@dcsdk12.org

Originally from Coalwood, West Virginia, Chris began his career as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Navy at 18 years old.  He served 6 years in the Navy, and then transitioned to the Federal Aviation Administration for a total of 32 years Air Traffic experience where he worked in both towers and approach control facilities in 6 different locations. He has Instrument, Multi-Engine, and Commercial Pilot Ratings and holds an Advanced Ground Instructor Certification. Chris lived in Texas and Pennsylvania before moving to Colorado in 2013 to be closer to his wife’s family. Over his career, he served as an instructor, training several controllers each year in both classroom and on the job training; most recently he served as a Facility Training Instructor at Centennial Tower. Chris worked to maintain a good relationship between the tower, its stakeholders, and the community.  He was an outreach advocate, providing tower tours and briefings to local public schools and flight school students. 

He has 3 kids and is the proud Paw-Paw of two granddaughters.  In his spare time, Chris enjoys flying, camping, and fishing.  You can catch his dog and three cats following him around when he does yard work at home.  He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation with the next generation through his ample experience from not only the pilot side, but the air traffic side as well.

Fall Semester

MSU AES 1100 Aviation Fundamentals
(double-blocked class)

Spring Semester

MSU AES 1400 Aviation Weather
AND
CTE Principles of Flight

By the end of year 1, students will be prepared for their Private Pilot Written Exam.

Fall Semester

MSU AES 1710 Intro to Flight Simulation I
AND
CTE Advanced Flight

Spring Semester

CTE Aviation WBL
 

Students need to complete their solo cross-country flight (to be completed at an outside flight training center) to be eligible for continuation onto MSU’s degree program (i.e. the next courses such as AES 2120). As part of their year 2 application, students MUST complete a statement of intent for their plan to complete their solo cross-country flight prior to graduation. This is so that students are prepared to enter MSU’s Part 141 Restricted ATP program. MSU strongly recommends Private Pilot Completion (FAA) if possible, but this is not required.