New aviation scholarship available to students in the Midwest
A longtime flight instructor and avid supporter of general aviation is being remembered through a scholarship, keeping his name and legacy alive for future generations of aviation students.
The Edward B. Shafer Future of Flight Scholarship Endowment Fund was established through a generous gift to the AOPA Foundation by member Paul Guse. The endowment will provide a $5,000 annual scholarship to be awarded to an individual pursuing a career in aviation, including aerospace engineering; flying professionally as an airline pilot, corporate pilot, etc.; flight instruction; aircraft maintenance; and airport management.
Shafer died in September 2020 at the age of 89.
“Ed was a rock of aviation in the St. Louis region,” said Guse. “He was my dad’s CFI, I grew up around him and he helped foster my passion for flying. His legacy is more than worthy of this scholarship program.
“Every hour I spent with Ed, whether in the cockpit or just sitting in the hangar, was an amazing hour. While he was passionate about safety, he knew flying had to be fun—he had an amazing gift to combine the two.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, each applicant must be:
- A current AOPA member at the time of application and award.
- A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
- Currently enrolled at an accredited university or college and pursuing a career in aviation.
Applications for the 2022 cycle will be accepted until February 11. Learn more about the AOPA Foundation Flight Training Scholarship program and how to apply.
