The best
way out
is up
Meet Our Founder
Mr. Richard C. Jones
The late Mr. Richard C. Jones had over 40 years of experience in the Air Traffic Control field, including 28 years with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and 4 years with the United States Air Force. He had over 20 years of experience in training, supervising and managing Air Traffic Controllers in the performance of their duties.
While employed by the Federal Aviation Administration, Mr. Jones served as the coordinator for the development of the curriculum and training requirements designed to enhance controller skills in the areas of communication, team awareness, conflict resolution, optimum use of resources and stress management.
This program was introduced as the Federal Aviation Administration’s Controller Resource Management Program (CRM), which was later renamed the Air Traffic Teamwork Enhancement Program (ATTEP).
Upon retirement, Mr. Jones was employed by several contractor agencies as a Training Engineer. His duties included support of the Federal Aviation Administration’s projects, including EBUS, ERID, ERAM, and DPOS.
The accomplishments of Mr. Jones in the FAA are prominently featured in the book Collision Course: Ronald Reagan, the Air Traffic Controllers, and the Strike that Changed America and in the upcoming documentary, The Last Strike.
Our Mission
See your future take flight
The mission of Let’s Go Up is to expose youth from underrepresented backgrounds to career pathways in aviation.
Our Approach
An aviation experience like no other
We provide an organized environment which students can learn about and identify career paths such as aircraft flight and mechanics, air traffic control, airport services and over 100 jobs associated with aviation.
Our belief
Take off and soar to new heights
We believe increasing exposure to aviation career pathways will encourage more underrepresented communities to pursue jobs in aviation, resulting in more diversity and participation in the aviation industry or other related STEM occupations in general.
Our pathways
Whether you’re an experienced professional or a newcomer exploring this field, we’ve got a program just for you.
We believe that education takes a village, which is why we proudly work with and alongside these partners to ensure student success.
Soar to
new heights
Success Stories
Meet Our Students
The mission of Let’s Go Up is to expose youth from underrepresented backgrounds to career pathways in aviation.
-
Dennis Jackson
Retired U.S. Air Force Major
Iraq War Veteran
First Officer for Delta Airlines
-
Doug Byrd, Jr.
Emory Riddle Graduate
Private Pilot
Owner/Operator of the International Aerobatic Flying Club
-
Cosby Washington
Western Michigan Graduate
Former Lieutenant
MH60 Helicopter Pilot in the Afghanistan War
HSM Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Navy
-
Vani Dewnandan
Emory Riddle Graduate
Private Pilot
Washington Center Air Traffic Control Specialist
-
Shelby Powell
Emory Riddle Graduate
Private Pilot
Senior Technical Analyst
National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA)
Spaces are filling fast!
Register today for the 2024 season.
Frequently Asked
Questions
The mission of Let’s Go Up to the 21st Century is to expose at-risk youth to the exciting fields related to aviation through summer camps, field trips, and after school events.
-
The program is free for participants.
-
Our target age is high school students aged 13-17. For the Spring 2024 session, students that are in 8th grade but will be entering 9th grade in the fall of 2024 will be permitted to enroll if parents are comfortable. Family members that have not attained age 13, but are still interested in attending will be considered on a case by case basis.
-
We run the program for 3 to 4 consecutive Saturdays in each quarter depending on demand. Dates and times are TBD.
-
Each Saturday session is approximately 60-90 minutes except for the scheduled tour to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) which will be longer due to transportation to and back from the airport. This session is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic.
-
We aim to have a max of 10 participants with the goal between 8 and 10 participants each session.
-
When sessions are held in a classroom located at the Let's Go Up office location, 11418 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744, we kindly request that parents allow participants to have space for learning with the instructors due to limited classroom capacity. Parents are provided with a designated sitting area. During field trips, parents are welcome to attend.
-
Yes, breakfast and lunch will be provided for the participants.
-
It depends. You can learn about each of the program offerings and locations here.
-
Yes. However, please ensure timely pickup at the end of each session. Late pickups may result in your child being unable to participate in subsequent sessions.
-
It depends. Some sessions are held in a classroom located at Let's Go Up office location, 11418 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744. While other sessions will be onsite surrounding Washington DC metro area locations and require transportation. You can learn about each of the program offerings and locations here.
-
You can register for our current programs here.
-
Our goal is to expose youth to careers in aviation. While it is not required for your child to be interested in aviation, we ask that your child comes with an open mind. If your child appears to be completely uninterested (asleep, on the phone, disruptive) we will contact you to pick up your child.
