New scholarship opportunities from the Arthur Godfrey Aviation Foundation seek to draw more young people into aviation.
The foundation, named for the popular radio and television personality who promoted general aviation throughout his long career, is offering two scholarships. The private pilot, sport pilot, or airframe and powerplant certification scholarship is open to applicants ages 16 to 20 years and will award up to $10,000.
The foundation notes that applicants with hearing impairments or physical disabilities may qualify for the light sport category or airframe and powerplant mechanic scholarship.
An advanced certification scholarship is open to applicants ages 18 to 25 who hold a private pilot certificate. It will award up to $5,000.
Applicants must create an audio or video presentation promoting general aviation to young people who aren’t currently involved in it. Complete rules and information are available on the foundation’s website. Applications are due Sept. 1; the award will be presented during the 2014 Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Fla.
Godfrey learned to fly early in his radio career while working in Washington, D.C. During the 1950s, he was a staunch advocate of airline travel, promoting its safety and efficiency, but he remained a steadfast GA flier, and at one point commuted from his home in Leesburg, Va., to New York City via a Douglas DC-3. He also flew a Navion, a Lockheed Jetstar, and a Beech Baron and Beech Duke. Godfrey owned an airfield in Leesburg that he eventually sold and donated a portion of the sale for the creation of a new airport, Leesburg Executive.
