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aviation — Aviation Instructor Larry Adams standing by a Culver Cadet at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Think the Southern Museum of Flight is just a place to look at old planes? Think again. Inside the museum, high school students from around Birmingham are rolling up their sleeves in the Aviation College where they learn to maintain real aircraft while getting a head start on 16 aviation-related careers.

Guiding them is Larry Adams, a veteran pilot whose decades of experience in the air now helps students build confidence and discover what’s possible in aviation.

Read on to meet Adams, discover the ways local students are taking off with the program and learn how to sign up.

Adams brings decades of experience to Birmingham aviation students

I met Adams at the Southern Museum of Flight for a chat and tour of the college and museum, and it didn’t take long to see why students are drawn to his class.

Adams has been in aviation since 1977, serving in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, flying across Europe and deploying to Bosnia and Iraq. He rose to one of the rare E9 First Sergeants and, after retiring, brought his love of flight into the classroom as an instructor at the Southern Museum of Flight.

“I retired and planned on spending my days fishing and hunting. But when I was offered a role as an instructor at Southern Museum of Flight’s Aviation College, I thought it might be fun.”
Larry Adams, Aviation Instructor, Southern Museum of Flight

Three years later, he’s still in the same role, and it’s easy to see why. His teaching style blends instruction, storytelling and plenty of real-world experience.

About Southern Museum of Flight’s Aviation College

Through the Southern Museum of Flight’s Dual Enrollment program, students can begin earning an aviation degree as early as their sophomore year of high school—at no cost! This includes tuition, books and even a laptop.

As an FAA 147–certified Aviation College, the Southern Museum of Flight equips students with real-world mechanics skills before moving on to complete powerplant and airframe training at Snead State.

“By the time they graduate, they’re already two years ahead. That’s a huge advantage for anyone starting an aviation career—especially here in Birmingham.”
Larry Adams, Aviation Instructor, Southern Museum of Flight

16 career paths possible through Southern Museum of Flight’s Aviation College

Southern Museum of Flight’s Aviation College is about more than fixing planes—it’s a launchpad for dozens of careers, crossing into 16 different industries in Alabama.

Some include:

Aerospace and Aviation Maintenance + Manufacturing
Automotive Maintenance, Technology + Manufacturing
Robotics + Automation
Advanced Manufacturing
Marine + Maritime Systems
Railroad + Transit Vehicle Maintenance

FUN FACT: Aviation Maintenance Technicians earn an average of $129K per year and gain skills that transfer to 16 industries, from robotics to automotive. In fact, about 25% of AMT grads never work on aircraft—they’re quickly recruited for other high-demand technical roles.

Birmingham students recieve hands-on learning

Aviation Instructor Larry Adams gave me an inside look at a military aircraft. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Adams’ classes are about more than aviation—they’re about confidence, curiosity and hands-on learning. When he started teaching at the Aviation College, he had just three students. Now, his fall and spring classes fill up with as many as 26.

Standing beside a training plane, Adams shared stories of his first aircraft—a C-130—and others he’s flown, from F4s to Gulfstreams to float planes. His decades of experience come alive during his classes through hands-on lessons, from safety checks and hydraulics to aerodynamics and pilot communication. At one point, he even showed a handheld radio a student built from salvaged parts—yes, it worked!

“I love showing students things they’ve never done before. Some don’t have a parent to teach them basic tools, like pliers or a screwdriver. I make sure they know it all, so they’re ready for a career by the end.”
Larry Adams, Aviation Instructor, Southern Museum of Flight

Ready to take off? Apply now to the Southern Museum of Flight Aviation College and get a jumpstart on 16 aviation career paths.

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