On December 3, 2003, Don Dominguez of San Luis Avionics, Inc. presented Matt Pittenger of Atascadero with the 4th Annual San Luis Avionics Youth In Aviation Scholarship Award. This $2000 scholarship will allow Pittenger to begin private pilot training at the flight school of his choice, beginning January 2004.

Pittenger competed against a number of qualified applicants from throughout San Luis Obispo County, completing an application, a written essay, and an oral interview given by a diverse panel of individuals involved in aviation. He is currently attending Atascadero High School and plans to pursue a career in aviation. By achieving this scholarship he will qualify for a Marine Scholarship that will enable him to become part of the NROTC Aviation Program at University of California San Diego.

The San Luis Avionics Youth In Aviation Scholarship Program began in 2000 with the help of generous donations from Honeywell and a local pilot. Scholarship funds are raised throughout the year through various activities and promotions. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted. All monies go directly to the scholarship fund to help young students obtain their private pilot certificate. Chris Ballard of Arroyo Grande, CA, last year's recipient of the scholarship, recently successfully completed his pilot training program.

San Luis Avionics, Inc. is a leading full-service avionics dealer and FAA repair station serving Central California's corporate and GA market. Its MobilTech Division develops and manufactures a diverse, highly regarded line of affordable portable avionics test equipment used by many avionics shops.

The Youth in Aviation Scholarship Program is open to San Luis Obispo County youth between the ages of 15 and 21.

Applications for the 2004 award will be available in May.

FMI: www.sanluisav.com