Virginia aviation expo inspires youth

Hosted by ProJet Aviation at Leesburg Executive Airport, the event also served as the occasion to award more than $139,000 in scholarships to aspiring career pilots. Launched in 2005, to date the event has seen more than $1.3 million in scholarships awarded to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace.

The event also included static displays of aircraft, a demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, guest speakers from the National Transportation Safety Board, vendors, and other exhibits.

A new addition to the expo was scholarships presented in memory of notable aviators and mentors. This year's legacy awards honored Women Airforce Service Pilots member Elaine D. Harmon; pilot and mentor Joe Goodin; Port City Air Director of Marketing and Business Development Paul A. Davy; and Sarah Thompson, a co-creator of what would become the annual aviation and education expo.