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I Hart Flying Foundation Launches Largest Scholarship Yet at EAA AirVenture

Pasadena, California (July 20, 2022) - In its five-year anniversary celebration, I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) pulled together multiple partners for their Industry Connect themed scholarship opportunity launching at EAA AirVenture, the world’s largest airshow, July 25-31 in Oshkosh, Wi. Four aviation companies have stepped up with Big Harts to collectively support I Hart Flying’s largest scholarship opportunity yet! They include Immaculate Flight, Paragon Aviation Group, AEG Fuels and Dassault Falcon Jet. A press conference will be held at EAA Press headquarters on Wednesday, July 27 at 1:00 P.M. The scholarship launch coincides with EAA WomenVenture Day, celebrated that Wednesday of the show.

Each of the partners are veteran supporters of IHFF having aided the organization in various ways over the last five years with one new addition, Paragon Aviation Group. “This is an incredible organization, and we feel honored to be able to support women in aviation,” shares Megan Barnes, president of Paragon Aviation Group. “I was blessed to be born into an amazing aviation family and learned to fly at an early age. Being able to share this opportunity through the I Hart Flying team is a true gift.”

I Hart Flying Foundation, with its generous partners, recognize that entering flight training is becoming increasingly expensive, which affects our ability to supply the industry with a diverse, qualified pipeline of pilots. Aside from the reality of a pilot shortage, women still make up less than 6% of ATP‘s (airline transport pilot rated) in the world. There are so few female ATP‘s, you can fit them all on an airbus A380.

“While our scholarships are fully based on merit and it’s an intensive application process, it is well worth it in the end for these recipients,” Rachelle Spector explains, founder and CEO of I Hart Flying Foundation. “Our ability to pull a network of industry together, paired with allotting scholarship funds and flight training packages, has made our opportunities not only successful, but highly recognized across the aviation sector.”

Each award is between $2,500-$5,000 of a flight training scholarship. Scholars also receive various in-kind donations from partners adding more than $3,000 in value. As IHFF celebrates their five-year anniversary this July, it’s incredible to note they have awarded more than $120,000 in scholarship funding, training packages, pilot supplies and flight training equipment to 21 scholars since 2017. As a hands-on organization, the I Hart Flying team also provides active mentorship and counsel to their scholars, aiding them along their aviation careers to include military, commercial, business, air medical, humanitarian and cargo.

2021 scholar Kaylee Smith shares, “With the help of the I Hart Flying scholarship, I was able to flight train and receive my commercial pilot certificate in January 2022. Since then, I have been busy with school as I am still in college. However, I spent my weekends working towards my CFI.” She was one of the recipients of the Phillips 66 and I Hart Flying themed opportunity, ‘Fueling Flight with Hart of Might.’ Kaylee is now focused on earning her multi-engine rating in a Beechcraft Duchess, with the goal to earn both CFI and multi-engine before summer ends.

IHFF invites others to get involved. The more charitable funds raised, the more opportunities and scholarships IHFF can offer together for women to take flight. Additional funds raised will also support travel needs for Hart scholars to attend NBAA-BACE in Orlando October 18-20, 2022, where they will have the opportunity to be face-to-face with all industry partners, network and share their experiences, and help inspire others.

For giving and partnership interest, please contact Lyndse Costabile, corporate relations at lyndse@ihartflying.org.

More information on I Hart Flying’s scholarship application, selection process and the scholarship committee can be found by visiting their website, ihartflying.org. Follow and engage with @ihartflying, and IHFF’s partners on Instagram and Facebook.