A Washington 501c(3) non-profit corporationHISTORY: Airhawks began in 1994 with the goal of fostering interest in aviation for young people in San Juan County. Educational programs were conducted for youths ranging from 9 to 18 years of age. In 1999, the Board elected to focus on a more direct form of aid and education for young people: all funds would be used to provide flight training scholarships.
To date 25 scholarships, ranging from $1,500 - $4,000 each, have been awarded. Eighteen youths have successfully obtained their Private Pilot license; three dropped out of the program due to moving off island or academic challenges. To date, $33,300.00 has been used for scholarships. New scholarships are now being granted up to $4,000 in a matching funds format.
Attaining a private pilot’s license is rigorous and challenging. Student pilots learn to appreciate the practical value of what they’ve learned at home and at school: the integration of math, science, communications and decision-making skills. Because of our emphasis on education, most of our students have gone on to colleges and universities, often choosing professional and academic careers in aviation-related fields. Airhawks Board members provide continuous mentoring for each student throughout their training.
Many Airhawks scholarship recipients have entered into aviation careers in the military, commercial, instruction and medical/mercy missions. And many others have attend collage education in aviation at schools like Embry-Riddle and the Air Force Academy. Airhawks does not have an expectation that a scholarship recipient will make aviation a career; just that they will enhance their life skills and experiences once they have experienced flight.
Airhawks recognizes that in order to reach its mission of new pilots and a strong aviation community it is necessary to support the infrastructure for flight training, subsequently for the past 2 years Airhawks has provided aircraft for rent in the flying Club. The aircraft are used for flight training and available for rental by Club members.