The Bob Hoover Academy in Salinas will soon have its first graduate who will receive a private pilot license through the school.
The academy is a public-private partnership with the Monterey County Office of Education. Academy students learn flight knowledge and get help meeting graduation requirements.
Alternative programs like the Bob Hoover Academy give Monterey County students another chance at graduation. The free flight lessons for students give them hours ahead toward a career.
The Bob Hoover Academy is expanding to the old World War II hanger currently at the Salinas Airport, next to the academy. With the expansion, the program will be able to accept 40 students instead of 20 currently.
