AOPA Foundation receives aircraft donation

The AOPA Foundation has received a donated Socata Trinidad TB21TC under its Give Wings program. The aircraft was given by a doctor in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Funds generated by aircraft donations like these help the foundation preserve the future of general aviation. “We promise donors that the Give Wings program is a quick and easy transaction, and it really is,” said Stephanie Kenyon, the foundation’s vice president of strategic philanthropy. “With this donor, we made the transfer of ownership within a week.”

Once someone makes the decision to donate his or her aircraft, it’s as simple as signing some paperwork and returning it to the AOPA Foundation. “After that, they’re done, and we take on all of the aircraft’s expenses,” said Kenyon.

Typically, the AOPA Foundation will sell the donated aircraft. The proceeds of the sale are used to support the foundation’s efforts to preserve the freedom to fly, and the donor gets a tax benefit. As the charitable arm of AOPA, donations to the AOPA Foundation are tax deductible.

“For someone who is not using their aircraft as much as they once were, our Give Wings program offers so many benefits,” said Kenyon. “Donors can avoid all the hassles of selling a plane. We can take a plane off of an owner’s hands quickly, and it’s a great program that benefits owners, the foundation and general aviation.”

Such generous gifts can go a long way in helping the foundation take on the utmost challenging programs that protect general aviation—programs like the Air Safety Institute and preserving community airports. Membership dues alone can’t support these important programs, and so donations play an extremely critical role in helping take on GA’s most challenging issues. For more information, visit the AOPA Foundation or send an email.