Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

US Based Non-Profit Wings Over the Rockies Awards 22 Flight Training Scholarships

Wings Over the Rockies (“WINGS”) announced it has selected 22 Colorado students to receive the 2023 Wings’ Flight Training Scholarship. Students will receive either an $8,000 or $12,000 scholarship—based on flight training experience to date—to be used toward flight training to achieve certification as a private pilot for single-engine airplanes.

The James C. Ray Foundation provides funding for flight training scholarships, which WINGS distributes across Colorado each year. In total WINGS has awarded 125 scholarships which equates to $236,000 over the past four years to applicants ages 15 through 18 who seek Private Pilot Certification in gliders or single engine airplanes. Scholarship applicants must be Colorado residents and complete their training through a Colorado business.

“Cultivating the next generation of private pilots is critical to the success of the aviation industry,” said John L. Barry, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret), President and CEO of WINGS. “It is an honor to be able to help this group of hard-working and passionate students achieve their dreams. We are incredibly grateful to the James C. Ray Foundation for making this scholarship program available to Colorado’s future pilots.”

More than 80 applications were received for the Wings’ Flight Training Scholarship. All applicants go through a rigorous evaluation and interview process conducted by representatives from WINGS and the Wings Captain Jeppesen Foundation. Each scholarship winner is assigned a mentor to guide them through the training process which includes both flight time and a rigorous study regime in order to complete their pilot certification.

About Wings Over the Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies™, a Colorado-based non-profit organization and Colorado’s official Air and Space Museum, is committed to educating, inspiring and exciting all people about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. Wings is one organization with two locations. Located in Denver’s historic Lowry neighborhood and established in 1994, the Museum features nearly 100,000 square feet of world-class historical and educational exhibits. In addition to more than 50 impressive aircraft and spacecraft, visitors discover exciting personalities, stories, and events about every aspect of aviation and space exploration. Exploration of Flight is located at Centennial Airport. Opened in 2018, it features 18,000 square feet of interactive experiences, aviation-focused events and actual flying aircraft. Visitors to the two locations come from all 50 states and more than 34 countries.

Source: Wings Over the Rockies Press Release
Photo Credit: Wings Over the Rockies

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US Based Aeronautics Commission Invests $1 Million in Aero Education Program for FY 2024

In a state where Oklahoma’s education institutions vectored the brilliant minds of aviation greats such as Bessie Coleman, Dr. Shannon Lucid, Tom Stafford, Gordon Cooper, William R Pogue, Geraldyn Cobb, John Herrington, Pearl Carter Scott, and many others, aero education in Oklahoma is not only rooted in the red dirt of its 77 counties, it is comparable to a 100-year old tree with wind beneath its canopy.

What was once an aviation sapling in 1911 when Clyde Cessna built and flew his first airplane, “Silverwing,” on the Great Salt Plains near Jet, Oklahoma, has evolved into a strong oak tree which has grown significant roots throughout the state to become what is known as our second leading industry, aerospace and defense, with $44B of annual economic impact. Today’s industry successes have not been without challenges, however. The industry’s biggest challenge, not just in Oklahoma, but across the Country, is finding quality workforce to support, sustain, and grow the industry for the future.

These challenges have led aerospace and aviation education to become one of the Aeronautics Commission’s top priorities in the early 2000s, and since that time the Commission has provided $4.6 million in aerospace and education funding to organizations and programs throughout the state. The agency has been given the prodigious responsibility to inspire young minds and guide them toward aerospace careers. During the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 930 established the Aero Student Pathways for Aerospace Careers and Education (AeroSPACE) program to help the agency double-down on its Aero education efforts. The legislation directed the agency to address the workforce needs of the aviation and aerospace industry by promoting and implementing quality aerospace educational curriculum statewide.

With the apparent need for additional workforce in the aerospace and defense industry continuing to grow, the Aeronautics Commission adopted its largest ever Aero Education Program for FY 2024 with an overall program eclipsing $1M. In addition to the over $500,000 worth of competitive grant awards approved during their August meeting, the Commission awarded funds to all Oklahoma high schools teaching the AOPA “You Can Fly” curriculum to provide supplies and professional development opportunities. The Commission also approved $125,000 in funding for the development or improvement of classroom laboratories dedicated to teaching aviation and aerospace programs. Lastly, the Commission approved the continuation of the agency’s four major aerospace education events which include Oklahoma Student Pilot Day, and Oklahoma UAS Teacher Training and Awareness Conference, the Oklahoma AERO Education Training and Professional Development Symposium, and Oklahoma Superintendents Aviation Day.

“I am so proud that the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission is equipping students with the training and resources they need to pursue a future in our state’s second-largest industry,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz. “Oklahoma has a rich history in aerospace and aviation, and I am glad to see the continued investments that make us Top Ten in this growing field.”

The agency’s Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant Program has been awarding aerospace and aviation education grants for over 30 years. This year’s seventy-one organizations that were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants totaling $502,885 during the Commission’s August meeting set another record. Grants are awarded to organizations that conduct targeted learning programs with a direct application to aerospace and aviation for primary through post-secondary education. Programs that are supported range from 4-year high school curriculum such as the AOPA “You Can Fly” effort, summer camps offered by major universities, drone racing competitions, a 2-year high school curriculum dedicated to teaching aircraft mechanics, after-school STEM activities, tours at various airports across the system, and many others. These programs will reach nearly 50,000 students across the state.

Aerospace and Defense is a significant economic engine in the state with over 1,100 companies providing 120,000 direct jobs. For commerce and communities across Oklahoma a safe, reliable, and economically viable air transportation system is critical. Oklahoma’s airports are not just critical to that air transportation mission, but they are also key to unlocking the awareness and passion behind our state’s available aerospace careers. The Commission regularly connects AOPA schools, Aero Education Grant recipients, and other aviation minded programs to our airports and those passionate aviators to help inspire young students as well as adult Oklahomans to choose aviation and aerospace as a possible career path.

“The Oklahoma legislature and our state leaders are certainly driving what we are calling a renaissance for aerospace and aviation, but Oklahoma’s educators in the classrooms are the professionals helping to vector these young minds towards an aerospace career,” said State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies. “Whether it’s Oklahoma’s continued #1 ranking with 80+ schools teaching the AOPA high school curriculum, our award-winning Aero education program, or the host of industry partners we work with, Oklahoma has never been better positioned to turn today’s students into tomorrow’s aerospace workforce.”

Aerospace and Defense is the state’s fastest growing industry, but in order to continue on the current growth trajectory the industry will need a capable workforce to staff new jobs and replace those upcoming retirements over the next several decades. “In my 40 years in public education I never experienced anything as remarkable as the tremendous growth of aviation education that has taken place in Oklahoma schools in the past few years,” said Paula Kedy, Aerospace and Aviation Education Coordinator for the agency. “I am so proud to have the opportunity to work with teachers and entities across the state that are committed to providing strong aviation STEM opportunities for students,” Kedy continued.

The program has been recognized twice by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), enjoying a positive reputation for investing millions in aerospace and aviation education programs statewide. The commission approved grants totaling $502,885 on Wednesday, Aug. 9, and will provide over $1 million in total to AOPA schools, aerospace programs, and aviation-centric organizations during the FY2024 budget year.

  • Ada City Public Schools, $5,680
  • Alva High School, $2,800
  • Ardmore High School, $1,600
  • Cameron University, $2,495
  • Charles Page Freshman Academy, $1,890
  • Chelsea Public Schools, $7,239
  • Claremore NJROTC, $2,697
  • Collinsville Public Schools, $6,000
  • Cushing High School, $1,430
  • Deer Creek Public Schools, $1,600
  • Dove Schools of Oklahoma, $5,000
  • Durant Public Schools, $1,375
  • East Central University, $3,640
  • ECHO Homeschool Extension, $2,250
  • Elmore City Pernell Public Schools, $5,525
  • Enid Public Schools, $15,138
  • FIRST, $7,500
  • Grandfield Public Schools, $550
  • Great Plains Technology, $7,350
  • Grove High School, $5,250
  • Ketchum High School, $2,257
  • Kingfisher Public Schools, $7,962
  • KISS Institute for Practical Robotics, $10,500
  • Lawton High School, $9,000
  • Lexington High School, $6,800
  • McAlester Public School, $6,000
  • Mid-Del Technology Center, $9,700
  • Moore Norman Technology Center, $2,617
  • Mustang High School, $4,200
  • Norman Public Schools, $13,590
  • Oilton Public Schools, $5,100
  • Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation, $10,000
  • Oklahoma Engineering Foundation, Inc., $4,000
  • Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Foundation, $1,500
  • Oklahoma Science & Engineering Foundation First Lego League, $5,000
  • Oklahoma State University Speedfest, $17,000
  • Oklahoma State University (Tulsa) Girls in Aviation Day, $2,700
  • Paoli Public Schools, $6,925
  • Pauls Valley High School, $5,100
  • Pawhuska Schools, $5,000
  • Piedmont Public Schools, $7,576
  • Ponca City Regional Airport, $7,500
  • Port of Muskogee, $2,300
  • Pryor Public Schools, $ 8,000
  • Putnam City Schools (North), $4,400
  • Redeemed Flying Corps, $10,000
  • Rose State College, $15,000
  • Route 66 Flight School, $2,808
  • Sallisaw Public Schools, $6,000
  • Seminole High School, $6,450
  • Southeastern Oklahoma State University, $10,000
  • Southern Tech, $10,000
  • STARBASE Oklahoma, Inc., $25,000
  • Stillwater Public Schools, $5,994
  • Stroud Public Schools, $4,000
  • Tahlequah High School, $6,900
  • Terra Verde Discovery School, $630
  • Tri County Tech, $10,000
  • True Sky Credit Union Foundation*/Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, $12,500
  • Tulsa Community WorkAdvance, $10,000
  • Tupelo High School, $5,325
  • Tuttle High School, $6,750
  • Union Public Schools, $27,400
  • University of Oklahoma, $42,000
  • Washington Public Schools, $5,300
  • Watts Public Schools, $3,082
  • Weatherford Public Schools, $12,500
  • Wright City Public Schools, $7,100
  • Wyandotte Public Schools, $8,225
  • Wynnewood High School, $5,700

Source: Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Press Release
Photo Credit: Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission

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Middle East Aviation Training Center Receives the Official ACI World – Airports Council International Training Partner Plaque

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates based aviation training and full flight simulator training center Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) and Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS), a part of the former, have received the official ACI World – Airports Council International Training Partner plaque.

“We look forward to working closely with ACI World – Airports Council International to further elevate the standards of Airport Training, ensuring that our participants acquire the necessary skills to excel in their careers,” said Etihad Aviation Training.

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, they serve 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Source: Etihad Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Etihad Aviation Training

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Philippines’ Pilot Training Group, Alpha Aviation Group, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia Partner to Offer the Graduate Certificate in Aviation

Clark, Philippines based aviation training group Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia (ERAU Asia) have teamed up to offer the ERAU Graduate Certificate in Aviation – Asia Focus.

The Graduate Certificate in Aviation (Asia-focus) is a management program that focuses on the aviation industry in Asia and specially designed for:

  • students (including cadet pilots/trainees) about to enter the workforce
  • professionals (including line and management pilots) working in the airlines, airport and aircraft management, banking and finance
  • professionals (regardless of industry) interested in aviation management in Asia

The program consists of seven core courses and at least one elective course, to be conducted online synchronous, and can be completed in 6-12 months.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group (shown as meta image)

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25 Students Receive Air Force Wings, Continue Flight Training at Vance Air Force Base

Twenty-five (25) students in Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 23-13 received their wings during a ceremony held Aug. 4 at Vance Air Force Base. Having completed their initial aviation training in the T-6A Texan II, the newly pinned pilots will continue in either the T-1A Jayhawk or the T-38C Talon training aircraft at Vance.

The guest speaker at the Class 23-13 graduation ceremony was Air Force Col. John Masterson, the 97th Operations Group commander at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Masterson was the commander of the 3rd Flying Training Squadron at Vance from August 2018 to May 2020.

The Class 23-13 award winners were:

  • Capt. Conor Dillon received the Academic Award and was named a Distinguished Graduate;
  • Capt. Paul Renart also received the Academic Award;
  • Capt. Timothy Goff received the Leadership Award;
  • 2nd Lt. Sam Delacruz received the Flying Training Award, the Air Education & Training Command Commander’s Trophy and was named a Distinguished Graduate;
  • 2nd Lt. Steven Moran received the Top Wingman Award.

Also receiving their pilot wings during the ceremony were:

Capts. Weston Elias, Ronald Malloy; 2nd Lts. Abigail Allgauer, Justin Billingsley, Tyler Blythe, Jonathan Buschman, Cody Crowder, John Davidson, Alexander Gauthier, Zackery Gross, Haley Jones, Kaitlyn Kane, Brian Lam, James Miranda, Michelle Montagna, Caden Norder, Timothy Perea, Jonathan Soferr, Zachary Stoll and James Walker.

Vance has graduated 35,756 pilots since training began in 1941.

Source: 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force

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Airways Aviation Australia Becomes Approved Teaching Centre for CTH Training Qualifications

Airways Aviation Australia, part of the global aviation and pilot training group Airways Aviation, is thrilled to announce its recent accreditation as an approved Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) teaching centre.

As the leading awarding body for gold standard qualifications in the travel and tourism sector, CTH has partnered with Airways Aviation to deliver its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) industry certifications, developed, and endorsed by GTMC, Virgin Atlantic and Star Alliance.

This partnership signifies a remarkable achievement for Airways Aviation, positioning it as the sole Aviation Academy in Australia, certified to provide top-tier qualifications that showcases professional excellence within the aviation and travel industries.  As a CTH Approved Teaching Centre, Airways Aviation is set to empower students with invaluable certifications that are recognized and respected throughout the industry.

Janet Dalby, CEO of Airways Aviation Australasia & Pacific, expressed her enthusiasm for the new collaboration, stating, “we are so excited to be a CTH Approved Centre which allows us to offer bespoke qualifications that are endorsed and certified by Virgin Atlantic, initially providing our students in Australia and internationally with valuable industry professional qualifications.”

Students will have the unparalleled opportunity to gain a competitive edge through certifications endorsed by major industry players, paving the way for our future Aviation professionals.

“Welcoming Airways Aviation as a certified CTH centre is a thrilling development. This strategic collaboration creates new avenues for students in Australia initially and then eventually across the Airways Aviation international network to pursue CTH qualifications, thereby enhancing their career prospects,” Steve Beckworth, CTH Director of Marketing and Business Development shares his excitement about the partnership.

Building on this momentum, Airways Aviation Australia is excited to launch its unique “Take off into Aviation” school program in October 2023. Designed to give Year 10 students a launching pad into aviation, this innovative program offers a blend of education and practical experience, leading to the attainment of a VA-Earth Certificate as well as the AVI30319 Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service).

About Airways Aviation Australia

Airways Aviation Australia is part of Airways Aviation Group, the largest privately owned aviation training organization outside the US. With operations in Gold Coast and Lismore and expanding to other locations in Australia, it’s the go to source when it comes to pilot training in the country.

Airways Aviation Group has direct presence in 10 countries of 4 continents, where it offers aviation training from pilot to cabin crew passing from maintenance technicians, ground handlers, military programs up to higher education programs in cooperation with respected universities.

Source: Airways Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

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