Aviation Education Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/training/aviation-education/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:11:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 Virginia Flight School Closure Leaves Students Stranded https://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-education/virginia-flight-school-closure-leaves-students-stranded/ Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:54:35 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=213651&preview=1 One student who had paid $100,000 up front for training said the owner told her that no refunds would be issued.

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A flight school operating at Virginia’s Manassas Regional Airport/Harry P. Davis Field (KHEF) abruptly shut down on August 1, leaving several of its students stranded.  

Students from American Aviation Flight School, including Thida Aung, reached out to local news station WTTG-TV (FOX 5 DC) seeking help.

According to FOX 5, Aung had paid the flight school $100,000 up front for the school’s “Career Pilot Package,” which includes training sessions. However, Aung reported that the school’s owner, Kevin Rychlik, allegedly informed her that no refunds would be issued.

FOX 5 obtained an email from the school to its students stating: “After reflection and exploring every possible scenario, we have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward.” The email also mentioned several health issues the owner has faced over the past year.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported that Rychlik filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on August 6, citing business debts between $10 million and $50 million as the main cause.

Students are considering legal action to address the situation.


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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26 Colorado High School Students Awarded Flight Training Scholarships https://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-education/26-colorado-high-school-students-awarded-flight-training-scholarships/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:48:35 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=213372&preview=1 Each scholarship winner will receive $12,000 for the pursuit of a private pilot certificate in either a single-engine airplane or a glider.

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Wings Over the Rockies, with the help of the Ray Foundation, is making it possible for 26 high school students to pursue their aviation dreams. The students are this year’s winners of the Wings Flight Training Scholarship.

Wings Over the Rockies is a Colorado-based, nonprofit organization that supports educational programming at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

This year’s scholarship winners will receive $12,000 for the pursuit of a private pilot certificate in either a single-engine airplane or a glider. The awards are made possible by the Ray Foundation, an organization that “provides grants for programs and educational organizations primarily in aviation that develop life skills such as honesty, worth ethic, self-confidence, and self-discipline.”

Scholarship applicants were subjected to a rigorous evaluation and interview process conducted by representatives from Wings Over the Rockies, the Captain Jeppesen Foundation, and other partner organizations, including Daedalian Flight 18, the Colorado Pilots Association, and the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA).

This year 119 students applied, and more than 50 made it to the interview process. Each scholarship recipient was assigned a mentor to guide them through the training process, which included both flight time and a thorough study regime to help them reach certification.

“Our future is bright with the up and coming students who want to pursue a career in aviation,” said retired U.S. Air Force Major General John Barry, president and CEO of Wings Over the Rockies. “We hope to continue to expand this scholarship program in the future and are incredibly grateful to the Ray Foundation for making this scholarship program available to Colorado’s future pilots.”

Since the program was launched in 2019, 150 high school students in Colorado ages 15 to 19 have received more than $1.3 million in scholarship awards. 

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Best Flight Schools in the Southeastern U.S. https://www.flyingmag.com/general/best-flight-schools-southeastern-us/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:35:26 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=212445&preview=1 Discover the diverse range of top flight schools in the Southeast for aspiring aviators.

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Quick Look: Flight Schools in the Southeastern U.S.
  • Best of Florida: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Best of Georgia: Aero Atlanta Flight Center
  • Best of South Carolina: Stratos Aviation
  • Best of North Carolina: Blue Line Aviation
  • Best of other Southeastern states: ATP Flight School

5 Flight Schools in the Southeast U.S.

The Southeast U.S. is a prime location for flight training due to its great weather, abundance of airports, and high aviation industry presence.

As a result, the Southeast offers a diverse range of top-tier flight schools catering to various pilot aspirations.

Whether your dream is to obtain a private pilot certificate or to get into the cockpit of a major airline jet, there is a flight school for everyone.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Best of: Florida

Florida is home to many high-quality flight schools. With its great weather year-round and wealth of airports, many aspiring pilots come to this state in pursuit of their flying dreams.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), for example, is renowned for its aviation programs. ERAU is an accredited and FAA Part 141-certified institution, meaning it offers structured, syllabus-led programs that produce professional-level pilots with bachelor’s degrees.

Check out other top flight schools and reasons to choose to conduct flight training in Florida.

Location: Daytona Beach

Tuition and Fees: $65,738 per academic year (fall/spring) plus $23,000-$33,000 per year for flight fees for the first two years and $10,000-$15,000 for the third year of flight training

  • Private Pilot ASEL: $33,503
  • Instrument: $16,924
  • Commercial Pilot ASEL: $23,468
  • Commercial Pilot AMEL Add-On: $15,137
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL: $16,508
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII): $8,299
  • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): $7,390

Financial Assistance: Yes; private loans and financial aid are available.

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length: 3-4 years

Endorsements: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument, Commercial Pilot ASEL, Commercial Pilot AMEL Add-On, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), ATP-CTP

Fleet: Cessna 172, Diamond DA42-VI

Job Placement: Yes

Virtual Learning: No

Aero Atlanta Flight Center

Best of: Georgia

With more than 800 aviation and aerospace companies based in Georgia, the state is one of the largest hubs for the industry.

As a result, companies such as Aero Atlanta Flight Center are based here, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a modern fleet of aircraft. As one of the fastest-growing Platinum Cirrus Training Centers nationwide, Aero Atlanta Flight Center trains confident pilots capable of operating high-performance and technically advanced aircraft.

Check out other top flight schools and reasons to choose to conduct flight training in the state of Georgia.

Location: Atlanta and Kennesaw, Georgia

Tuition and Fees:

  • Private Pilot ASEL: $31,604-$42,575
  • Instrument: $28,000-$36,850

Financial Assistance: No

Accreditation: No

Program Length: 3-4 months per rating

Endorsements: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument

Fleet: Cirrus SR-20, Cessna 172

Job Placement: No

Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Pilot Institute

Stratos Aviation

Best of: South Carolina

Most of the flight training in South Carolina is conducted by experienced instructors in modern aircraft.

 One of those flight schools, Stratos Aviation, offers comprehensive flight training programs in a safe and modern learning environment. It focuses on equipping new pilots with the skills needed for confidence, proficiency, and safety in aviation. It also instills a deep sense of respect for flight and risk management in their students.

Location: Greenville and West Columbia

Tuition and Fees: Catered to each student’s needs. Call the Greenville location at 864-272-6268 or the Columbia location at 803-998-2200.

Financial Assistance: No

Accreditation: No

Program Length: 3-4 months per rating

Endorsements: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument, Commercial Pilot ASEL, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

Fleet: Cirrus SR-20, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28

Job Placement: No

Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Sporty’s

Blue Line Aviation

Best of: North Carolina

FLYING’s Flight School Guide is a tool to help students find a flight school, aviation college, or university that’s right for them.

Per the guide, Blue Line Aviation is considered to be one of the top flight schools in the country. It is the perfect fit for student pilots looking to be immersed in training from day one.

Its short, accelerated training schedule gives life to a new career in months. The flight school’s Career Pilot Program takes students from zero time to a MEI in just five and a half months for $115,000.

Location: Smithfield

Tuition and Fees:

  • Private Pilot ASEL: $17,500
  • Instrument: $16,000
  • Commercial Pilot ASEL: $45,500
  • Commercial Pilot AMEL Add-On: $7,500- $20,500
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL: $16,000
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII): $8,000
  • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): $18,000

Financial Assistance: Yes

Accreditation: No

Program Length:

  • Private Pilot ASEL: 6 weeks
  • Instrument: 4 weeks
  • Commercial Pilot ASEL: 6 weeks
  • Commercial Pilot AMEL Add-On: 3-10 days
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL: 10 days
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII): 5 days
  • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): 1-2 weeks

Endorsements: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument, Commercial Pilot ASEL, Commercial Pilot AMEL Add-On, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

Fleet: Diamond DA42-VI, Diamond DA40, Diamond DA20, Piper Archer

Job Placement: No

Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Gold Seal

ATP Flight School

Best of: Other Southeastern states

ATP Flight School is the largest flight training establishment in the U.S.. Its nationwide network of 78 training centers located in 33 states allows for more efficient scheduling and instructor/examiner availability.

ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest professional pilot programs in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months. If a student is considering becoming a professional airline pilot, this may be the most efficient path to reach that goal.

Locations: Birmingham, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Louisville, Kentucky; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Leesburg, Virginia; Manassas, Virginia;, Norfolk, Virginia;; and Richmond, Virginia

Tuition and Fees:

  • Airline Direct Track: $185,000
  • Airline Career Pilot Program: $86,995- $108,995 (depending on previous experience)
  • ATP-CTP: $4,295

Financial Assistance: Yes

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length:

  • Airline Direct Track: 11 months
  • Airline Career Pilot Program: 6-9 months (depending on previous experience)
  • ATP-CTP: 7 days

Endorsements: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument, Commercial Pilot ASEL, Commercial Pilot AMEL, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), ATP-CTP

Fleet: Cessna 172, Piper Archer, Piper Seminole

Job Placement: Yes, pathways to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and more with ATP’s 38 airline partnerships

Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Angle of Attack

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flight School

There are several factors that should be a requirement to consider before committing to a flight school. Let’s explore some of the most important ones.

Location and Weather Conditions

Flight training locations with good weather year-round allow for more flight time, resulting in accelerated training. Choosing a flight school in the Southeast U.S. allows pilots to take advantage of flight training regardless of the season.

Curriculum and Certification Programs

Understanding the curriculum and certification programs offered by the different flight schools allows students to stay focused on their goals as they progress through flight training. Some schools specialize in specific areas, such as obtaining a private pilot certificate and instrument rating, while others are in business to train and develop commercial pilots.

Aircraft Fleet and Maintenance

Learning about each school’s aircraft fleet (i.e., age, size, type) and maintenance program allows students to understand fleet availability. Larger fleets, modern airplanes, and in-house maintenance programs provide for better fleet availability, resulting in accelerated flight training.

Flight Instructor Qualifications and Experience

The quality of flight instructors significantly impacts a student’s learning progress and their ability to complete flight training on schedule. Researching the reputation and qualifications of the instructors at each flight school can provide valuable insights into the learning environment a student can expect.

Cost and Financial Aid Options

The overall cost of flight training, including tuition, flight hours, and additional fees is steep and should be thoroughly considered before choosing a flight school. Students should also investigate which financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans are available to relieve some of the stress of paying for flight training.

Job Placement Assistance

A strong network and partnership programs can help students connect with career opportunities soon after graduation. Promptly finding a job after completing flight training can help alleviate the stress of accrued flight training costs.

Kick-Start Your Flight Training Today

If your dream is to fly, one of the first steps any aspiring pilot must take is to choose the flight school that will guide them on the path to achieving this dream. Whether it is to obtain a private pilot license (PPL) or become an airline pilot, there is a flight school for everyone.

We hope you enjoyed this curated list of the best flight schools in the Southeast U.S.. We encourage you to apply for an exploration flight and discover for yourself what each flight school has to offer.

FAQ

Which state in the Southeast has the best flight schools?

Florida is home to many high-quality flight schools. With its great weather year-round and abundance of airports, many aspiring pilots come to this state in pursuit of their flying dreams.

What is the best school of aviation in the Southeastern U.S.?

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is renowned for its school of aviation in the U.S.

Where is Florida Flyers Flight Academy ranked?

Florida Flyers Flight Academy is ranked No. 1 among the best flight schools in the Southeast U.S.

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University of Central Missouri Offers Multiple Aviation Career Destinations https://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-education/university-of-central-missouri-offers-multiple-aviation-career-destinations/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:57:32 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=212372&preview=1 The college sports three undergraduate and two graduate-level aviation programs.

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The University of Central Missouri offers more than 150 undergraduate and degrees in an assortment of disciplines, including three aviation Bachelor of Science degree programs (professional pilot, flight operations management, and airport management) and two master’s pathways (aviation safety and MBA in airport management).

Regardless of the program of study, Central Missouri students are exposed to all aspects of the aviation industry. 

Matthew Furedy, a 1999 graduate from university, returned to the school in fall 2015 as an assistant professor. Furedy presently teaches a variety of courses, with a focus on those  that are a part of the department’s airport management degree. 

Courses in the program range from airport planning and design to corporate aviation management, all of which prepare students to sit for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (CM) exam. 

“I think that preparing our students and having them take this exam is a good thing,” Furedy said. “I know some other programs have that as an option, rather than a requirement, and I’m not sure how many actively make it part of the degree. [One of the other benefits of our structure] is we also require that students complete an internship. The more hands-on experience you can get, the better off you’ll be. So, I tell students that, if they can, to do an internship every summer that they’re here.” 

The University of Central Missouri owns and operates its own airport, Skyhaven Airport (KRCM) in Warrensburg. [Courtesy: University of Central Missouri Department of Aviation]

Presently, around 70 students are enrolled in Central Missouri’s undergraduate airport management program —which is the second largest in the department of aviation. While many students pursue careers as airport managers following graduation, alumni are employed in many different aviation disciplines.

“We have students that go through this program in order to go on and be an air traffic controller,” Furedy said. “Then we have those that work in airport ops or in management, at FBOs, working for the government, or as consultants. We even have some that go on to work at [OEMs]. There’s a very wide variety of jobs that students go off and do.”

Andy Multer began instructing at Central Missouri in spring 2020. During this semester, Multer passed the CM exam. This was an inspiration for a new program that he helped to create at the school, the airport management MBA. 

This online program was first offered in fall 2021 and currently has about 15 students. GMAT scores are not required for entrance into the MBA program, which costs less than $20,000 on average to complete. Most courses are eight weeks long, meaning that there are five start dates throughout the year. 

“The program is designed for junior- to mid-level airport employees that are looking to advance in their career,” Multer said. “You get well rounded airport management training with this degree, which is the only (AACSB accredited) airport management MBA in the world. We anticipate students to take two years to complete the MBA program because we really try to push it towards people that are working at an airport. We want this because experience is the most important part, and this program is to help you grow.

“Earning this graduate degree [in conjunction with three years of work experience] will ensure you meet all the requirements to take the AAAE’s AAE [Accredited Airport Executive] exam. Plus, students get their CM and two ACE [airport certified employee] certificates.” 

A mock Part 139 airport inspection done at a commercial airport, as a part of the airport certification class. [Courtesy: University of Central Missouri Department of Aviation]

Both undergraduate and graduate students at Central Missouri are encouraged to be involved in a number of organizations to further their education. Some popular aviation groups include the school’s AAAE chapter, the Missouri Airport Managers Association, Women in Aviation International, and Alpha Eta Rho. Additionally, the department of aviation has an emphasis toward connecting students with opportunities to apply their coursework in the real world. 

“We own and operate our airport [Skyhaven Airport, (KRCM)] here,” Furedy said. “So, students have the ability to work at the airport, mainly in-line service, and we do offer internships, where they can shadow the airport manager at. That’s something that’s unique about the program, to be able to get out of the book and see the airport.

“In our airport certification class, we do go visit an airport and do an actual Part 139 inspection. We try to make it as real as possible and have been to a lot of different commercial services airports doing that. We’ve been to O’Hare [International Airport (KORD)] up in Chicago, Omaha [Airport (KOMA) in] Nebraska, Memphis [International Airport (KMEM) in Tennessee], Springfield-Branson National Airport (KSGF) south of us [in Missouri], and St. Louis Lambert International (KSTL).

“The big saying for the airport world is ‘if you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport,’ because even though there are standards on how to do things, each one does things a little bit differently.”  

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Donation to Expand Bob Hoover Academy Fleet https://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-education/donation-to-expand-bob-hoover-academy-fleet/ Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:45:31 +0000 /?p=212028 The California-based aviation program for at-risk youth will receive three EX-2 CarbonCubs over the next three years.

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The Bob Hoover Academy will receive three CubCrafters EX-2 CarbonCub kit airplanes over the next three years for its students to build, thanks to a donation by The Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, the organization announced at EAA AirVenture on Tuesday in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Salinas, California-based aviation nonprofit focuses on inspiring at-risk youth to  engage in STEM education. The program has a Cessna 152 and Redbird Flight Simulations FMX AATD, which allow students to pursue a private pilot certificate. 

The program also offers students an opportunity at completing ground school utilizing the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) high school curriculum.

The foundation’s $1.5 million donation, which was funded by Tom Siebel, Craig McCaw, and David Leushchen, also includes operational support for the aircraft and guaranteed job interviews for program graduates with industry partners Cirrus, CubCrafters, and Game Composites.

“This donation is about providing hope and tangible opportunities for a better future,” Siebel said in a statement. “Salinas is a city where many young people face daunting challenges daily. We are honored to support the Bob Hoover Academy led by impassioned aviator Sean D. Tucker. They are changing lives through the magic of aviation combined with a solid education.” 

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Raisbeck Aviation High Awarded GAMA Honors https://www.flyingmag.com/news/raisbeck-aviation-high-awarded-gama-honors/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:38:04 +0000 /?p=209740 The design challenge offers high school students an opportunity to demonstrate the principles of flight and airplane design.

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Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, Washington, has been named the winner of the 2024 General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Design Challenge. 

According to GAMA, this year more than 60 high school teams, representing 28 states, entered the competition. Aviation teams from Porter High School in Porter, Texas, and Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., were awarded second and third place, respectively.

“[Raisbeck’s] entry optimized the aircraft to carry a maximum payload in the shortest time with an elaborate design process, which included low two-section wings with fast airfoils, a streamlined fuselage, and increased horsepower,” GAMA said. “The team’s first-place prize includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience and demonstration flight opportunities.”

Members of the Raisbeck Aviation High School team include Charles Atchison, Kenji Gonzales, Colin Harrison, Brent Jansen, August Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Alex Mill, AJ Poon, Colin Renberg, Oliver Swanson, and Emile Woo.

“The GAMA Challenge is one of the highlights of the school year for team members at Raisbeck,” the school’s aviation team advisers said in a statement. “This year’s team really had a fun learning experience with the bigger turbine-powered Caravan flying in Alaska. They were really excited to learn their design had won first place and are looking forward to the CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience.”

The challenge gives high school students the opportunity to use a complimentary “Fly to Learn” curriculum to grasp the principles of flight and airplane design, consistent with national STEM standards. In the second phase of the competition the team used software to virtually modify an airplane design and compete in a fly-off using X-Plane software.

The Challenge

This year’s mission was to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan, then fly the aircraft from Homer to Seward, Alaska, as quickly and efficiently as possible. The process included finding the most expedient route between the two remote locations. The teams were scored on performance parameters, a checklist of steps involved in the demonstration flight. The teams also submitted a video detailing what they learned during the process.

“Once again, the teams participating in the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge continue to amaze us with their dedication and enthusiasm for aviation and unique perspectives on aircraft design,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “We congratulate the Raisbeck Aviation High School team for their outstanding first-place submission and also recognize the teams from Porter High School and Gonzaga College High School for their respective second and third-place submissions. We applaud all the schools for participating and are particularly proud of the hard work that they all put into their submissions. We look forward to furthering the reach of the program and sparking student interest into the rewarding opportunities within general aviation.”

The second-place entry from Porter illustrated a design with an extended high-aspect ratio wing, larger propeller, reduced engine rpm, a T-tail design, and an airfoil-shaped fuselage. They will receive a two-day Redbird Flight Simulations STEM Lab.

The third-place winners from Gonzaga demonstrated design with slightly decreased wing area, decreased horsepower, a four-blade propeller, and an aerodynamic fuselage to reduce drag. They will receive one-year ForeFlight Performance Plus subscriptions and a flight simulator experience with Joby Aviation

The 2024 Aviation Design Challenge had many sponsors, including Bombardier, Camp Systems, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond, CubCrafters, Embraer, ForeFlight, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace, Hartzell Propeller, Jet Aviation, Joby Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Redbird Flight, Signature Aviation, Textron Aviation, and Wipaire. Sponsors provide financial support for the curriculum, software and prizes, as well as in-kind donations.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support of the program’s sponsors,” Bunce said. “Their commitment to furthering youth outreach allows us to be able to offer and grow this program and its incredible experiences.”  

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NGPA Scholarship Applications Open for 2024 https://www.flyingmag.com/training/ngpa-scholarship-applications-open-for-2024/ Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:09:13 +0000 /?p=209427 Scholarships are available for various career tracks including those of pilot and aircraft mechanic.

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We are all unique in our own exceptional way. And we should all have the same opportunities to pursue careers in the various fields of aviation. 

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), a worldwide organization for the LGBTQ+ community, is doing its share to encourage its members to begin their aviation careers by once again offering its annual scholarship program to those interested in becoming pilots, A&P mechanics, or other general aviation-related vocations. 

With the support of generous NGPA members and corporate sponsors, they continue the tradition of their annual scholarship program, providing financial support to the most qualified and highest-achieving members through a scholarship to pursue those lofty dreams.

Scholarship applications are due June 30. [graphic courtesy NGPA]

And NGPA’s scholarship program is more than just a financial aid opportunity. It’s a powerful statement about the organization’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence within the aviation industry. By providing recipients with the necessary financial support, NGPA is not just helping them reach their professional goals but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive aviation community.

Applications for the annual scholarship program are now being accepted and are due June 30. To apply, simply visit the NGPA website and complete the online opportunity profile. Additional information, such as eligibility conditions, required documentation, and how the selection process works, can also be found on the NGPA website, located at: Apply – NGPA – The Worldwide LGBTQ+ Aviation Community


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Plane & Pilot.

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EAA Scholarship Program Has Launched 500 Private Pilots https://www.flyingmag.com/eaa-scholarship-program-has-launched-500-private-pilots/ Fri, 17 May 2024 19:12:05 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=203091 Ray Foundation has made $1.8 million available to the organization for deserving youth.

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The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) announced Thursday that its Ray Aviation Scholarship program has now seen 500 recipients complete flight training and earn their private pilot certificates.

Founded by James and Joan Ray, the Ray Foundation enables EAA and its chapter network to provide up to $11,000 for deserving youth to help cover flight training expenses. The foundation has made $1.8 million available to the EAA this year.

“Many aspiring pilots fall short of their goal due to the cost of flight training, so EAA, working with the Ray Foundation, helps relieve some of the financial pressure and make the goal of becoming a pilot even more accessible for future generations,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programming. “The high completion rate of our scholars demonstrates the impact of a supportive environment provided by EAA chapters.”

In addition to the Ray Aviation Scholarships, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation partners with EAA to award a Zulu 3 headset to each fight student upon completing their first solo. If the student had already soloed before starting in the Ray Aviation Scholarship program, the headset goes to them when they pass their written exam.

“This recognizes the scholar as they progress and ultimately complete flight training,” according to EAA.


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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FAA Data Shows Student Pilot Numbers on the Rise https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-data-shows-student-pilot-numbers-on-the-rise/ Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:35:21 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=199877 Student certificates issued in 2023 jumped 24 percent compared to the year before, according to agency data.

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Does it seem like there are more student pilots in the air these days? According to FAA data, there are.

The agency issued 69,503 student pilot certificates in 2023, up 24 percent from 2022.

A deeper dive of FAA’s civil airmen data shows the bulk of the certificates were issued in June (7,162) and August (7,813).

The June starts are no surprise. Student pilot starts usually increase in the spring as the weather improves. People receive introductory flights as graduation presents, Mother or Father’s Day gifts, or they decide to use their tax return to check that item off their bucket list or begin a new career.

The August figure may be associated with the beginning of the academic year at Part 141 colleges and universities.

Tips for Finding a School

You cannot control the weather, maintenance issues, or scheduling, but you can manage the amount of effort put into learning. To expedite your training, you will want to fly at least twice a week, although three times is better to make steady progress. Ensure the school has an adequate fleet and enough instructors to go around. 

When you do your research, find out how many learners (the FAA’s official term for student pilots) and renters the school has as well as how many airworthy airplanes and active instructors are on staff. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where there are 40 student pilots and seven instructors and only three airworthy aircraft. 

Don’t be surprised if there is a waiting list for training. Many programs at both Part 141 and Part 61 schools cap their enrollment to protect the limited resources of instructors and aircraft.

Also, find out if you can rent aircraft for solo flight after you have obtained your certificate. Some schools are so busy that they only allow active students to rent for solo flights. Find out in advance so there are no unwelcome surprises.

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Bombardier, WSU Tech Collaborate to Launch A&P Apprenticeship Program https://www.flyingmag.com/bombardier-wsu-tech-collaborate-to-launch-ap-apprenticeship-program/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:29:56 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=195592 Paid education provides on-the-job training and guides students toward FAA certification.

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Bombardier said it has collaborated with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) to develop an apprenticeship program for training future airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics.

Under the paid two-year program, students will receive hands-on instruction at Bombardier Group’s site in Wichita, Kansas, and classroom training at WSU Tech. In this setting they will work with seasoned instructors and senior maintenance experts while becoming familiar with Bombardier’s aircraft fleet.

The company said the state-registered A&P apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in Kansas. Students completing the program will receive FAA A&P certification in addition to significant on-the-job training. They also will be given upgrades in their job classifications from apprentices to full-time A&P technicians. For Bombardier, the program strengthens the company’s staff of mechanics and its ability to provide timely maintenance services.

“We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the U.S. through the launch of this foundational program in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of Bombardier aftermarket services and strategy. “The start of this apprenticeship program highlights Bombardier Group’s ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients.”

Bombardier said the collaboration with WSU Tech is part of a strategy that included expanding its worldwide network of service facilities. Training and hiring more skilled technicians aids the company’s effort to develop its aerospace operations.

“WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at their state-of-the-art facility in Wichita,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech and vice president of its workforce development. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business, and industry, resulting in success.”

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