"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!"

FMI: www.nata.aero