"Learn To Fly" Program Promotes General Aviation Careers
The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is proud to
announce the winners of its Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to
Fly Scholarship, Pioneers of Flight Scholarship and NATA Business
Scholarship.
"NATA is dedicated to promoting general aviation careers with
the many scholarships we offer. Through the NATF, we annually
recognize aviation enthusiasts and encourage their development in
the industry," said National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Director of Safety & Training Amy B. Koranda.
The 2010 Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship
was awarded to Andrew Kubal, a junior at the University of North
Dakota, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Commercial
Aviation and plans to begin flight instructing within the next year
to get more hours under his wings. Andrew's future dream is to own
a fishing guide service flying customers to Canada and Alaska. The
Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was
established in the honor and memory of Dan L. Meisinger, Sr.,
founder of Executive Beechcraft, whose career in aviation spanned
63 years and who was twice named Beech Aircraft's Man of the Year.
The Learn to Fly Scholarship is given annually to deserving college
students enrolled in aviation programs to be used to pursue their
academic goals.
The 2010 Pioneers of Flight Scholarship has been awarded to
Scott Beyer, a sophomore at the Spokane Falls Community College,
where he is currently working on his instrument rating. Scott will
be transferring to the University of North Dakota in the fall of
2011 to complete his aviation degree. In addition to flying
aircraft as a profession, Scott has his sights on many community
service opportunities as well - Angel Flight, providing
transportation to those with medical needs, or search and rescue
services. The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship was established in
1989 to offer financial assistance and encouragement to young
people in the pursuit of academic excellence to fulfill the NATF's
ultimate goal of fostering and promoting careers in the aviation
industry.
The 2010 NATA Business Scholarship was awarded to Joseph
Bommarito, flight instructor at Lynn University in Boca Raton,
Florida, who plans to continue his education at Lynn University and
obtain his multi-engine instructor certificate, an airline
transport pilot certificate, plus a Master of Business
Administration with a specialization in Aviation Management. Joseph
is also gaining experience flying a Gulfstream GIV and uses it to
teach his students in the classroom. Joseph's career aspiration is
to become a corporate pilot within the next 10 years. The annual
NATA Business Scholarship was established for the continuing
education of employees of NATA member companies. The applicants'
studies are directly related to furthering the skills applicable to
working at an FBO, charter company, maintenance facility or flight
school.
"This year's scholarship recipients show great ambition and
dedication in pursuing their future careers, providing a vast array
of aviation opportunities for themselves and their communities,"
said NATA Assistant Manager Elizabeth Nicholson. "We wish them the
best of luck!"