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Donors step up again for 2022 You Can Fly Challenge

Thousands of supporters enable important AOPA programs

Furthering AOPA initiatives that promote and protect general aviation, AOPA members and the GA community rose to the challenge in 2022, raising more than $3.1 million and unlocking an additional match of $2.5 million from the Ray Foundation.

Donor support enables the AOPA You Can Fly program to maintain four key initiatives: High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, Flight Training, Flying Clubs, and Rusty Pilots. Photo by Chris Rose.

Between the You Can Fly Challenge window of June 1 and December 31, more than 3,200 unique donors gave generously to the AOPA Foundation in support of the AOPA You Can Fly program. All donations were matched, dollar for dollar up to $2.5 million, by the Ray Foundation.

When donations and the match are combined, more than $5.6 million was raised to get—and keep—more pilots flying.

"I am never surprised, but never take for granted, the appreciation and support that our members provide," said Elizabeth Tennyson, senior vice president of the AOPA Foundation and You Can Fly. "They recognize the importance of our You Can Fly program in growing the pilot population and keeping pilots safely in the skies. A big thank you to everyone who stepped up to keep our GA community vibrant and growing."

The late James C. Ray was a World War II veteran and a member of the AOPA President's Council who "believed that life skills are learned through aviation."

The AOPA Foundation's You Can Fly program comprises four important initiatives: High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, Flight Training, Flying Clubs, and Rusty Pilots.

While the 2022 You Can Fly Challenge is behind us, the need to support important AOPA programs that member dues do not cover goes on. Learn about more ways you can donate to the AOPA Foundation.

Alyssa J. Miller

Eric Blinderman

Senior Director of Communications
Eric Blinderman is AOPA’s Senior Director of Communications. Eric joined AOPA in 2020 after several years at leading marketing/communications agencies in New York and is looking forward to putting his newly minted private pilot certificate to work.
Topics: AOPA Foundation, You Can Fly, Financial

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