Names Annual Learn To Fly, Pioneers Of Flight, And Business Award Winners

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 general aviation industry," said National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Director of Safety & Training Amy B. Koranda.
The 2011 Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship has been awarded to Benjamin Cavin Skidmore, a sophomore at Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS. Benjamin is currently pursuing a dual degree in Aviation Maintenance and Technology and Commercial Aviation and hopes to complete his private pilot license training by the end of 2012. According to Benjamin, he doesn't want to be just a pilot; he wants to be a top-notch pilot who can also work on airplanes. 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 2011 Pioneers of Flight Scholarship has been awarded to Pauline Marie Brothers, a junior at the Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, WA, and Celeste Diana Hadley, a sophomore at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Pauline has just received her private pilot's license and is now learning to fly high performance, complex and tail wheel aircraft. Her future goal is to serve with a Mission Agency overseas/cross culturally as a pilot and mechanic delivering supplies and people into and performing medical evacuations out of small remote villages. Celeste is majoring in "Aeronautical Science with a specialty in Helicopter Flight" and is also planning on becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. She aspires to become a fire suppression aviator, eventually working for a local, state, or federal fire service agency as a helicopter pilot providing air support. 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 2011 NATA Business Scholarship has been awarded to Jodie D. Kaluza, currently employed at Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR) / GlobalSelect as the airport services manager for SGR and marketing manager for the FBO. Jodie is currently enrolled at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and is working towards her degree in Aviation Business Management with a minor in Airport Management. Her future goal is to gain her private pilot's license and become the next airport director at Sugar Land Regional Airport. The annual NATA Business Scholarship was established for the continuing education of employees of NATA member companies. The applicants' studies may be used to further their skills to work at an FBO, charter company, maintenance facility or flight school.

"This year we received more scholarship applications than previous years; it was very challenging for our judges. It is great to see so many bright and dedicated students in the aviation industry. This year's winners were indeed deserving of recognition, and we truly wish them the best of luck in pursuing their dreams," said NATA Manager of Safety 1st Programs Elizabeth Nicholson.

FMI: www.nata.aero