Tennessee Private Pilot Awarded $2,500

Matt Everett, the grandson of a U.S. Air Force veteran, grew up surrounded by the sights, sounds, science, sport, and romance of aviation. His appreciation for aeronautical endeavor was fostered during childhood visits to airports with his grandmother and watching aircraft arrive and depart Runway 23 at Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).

Now an adult, a marketing professional, and a certificated Private Pilot, Mr. Everett has earned the distinction of being the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship.

While aviation has always been Matt’s passion, he originally embarked upon a career in geographic information systems. While working in subject field—at McGhee Tyson Airport, no less—Mr. Everett formulated a plan by which to commence flight-training at a local flight-school during his lunch breaks and on weekends.

By diligence and determination, Matt earned his Private Pilot certificate and joined Knoxville’s EAA Chapter 17, the website of which he actively manages for purpose of supporting the Chapter’s Young Eagles program.

Matt is currently pursuing his Instrument rating at AVZ Flight Academy at the McGhee Tyson Airport. Over the long-term, he aspires to earn Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates in hopes of sharing his love of flying with others.

Matt remarked: “The Sporty’s scholarship will allow me to train at a faster pace than my current budget allows. While I’m committed to achieving my goal of becoming a flight instructor, this will help me get there in a more consolidated timeframe.”

By way of curriculum, Mr. Everett is utilizing Sporty’s online Instrument Rating Course as his ground school and flight preparation resource. The materials contained therein will prepare Matt to successfully complete the requisite FAA knowledge test and, in time, his Instrument check-ride.

Mr. Everett resides in Maryville, Tennessee with his wife and two children—all three of whom reportedly share his passion for aviation.

Sporty’s Pilot Training+ is an all-inclusive membership that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-winning video-based courses for a single annual fee. Membership includes the opportunity to apply for three $2,500 scholarships, which Sporty’s awards yearly.

Now in its 62nd year, Sporty's has grown from a one-man operation founded by Hal Shevers to the world's largest pilot shop and an iconic general aviation brand. Headquartered at Batavia, Ohio’s Clermont County/Sporty's Airport (I69), Sporty's operations extend to airport management, avionics installation and repair, aircraft maintenance, a residential airport community, aircraft sales, and flight training.

FMI: www.sportys.com