The Western North Carolina Pilots Association Educational Foundation, one of the recipients of the Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) Runway 5K proceeds, presents grants to deserving local aviation students. They awarded a total of $33,350 in grants to 11 grantees this year. At least 3 of the 11 grants would not have been possible without the funds from the AVL Runway 5K.
One of the grants, funded entirely by proceeds from last year’s AVL Runway 5K, was awarded to Lucy Taylor, who is enrolled in the Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology programs at AB Tech, as well as taking weekly flight and ground lessons at WNC Aviation. She plans to earn her instrument rating as well as her commercial license by the end of the year. Lucy is a single mother who works nearly full-time and faces financial constraints as a challenge to her long-term goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. Becoming a commercial pilot requires significant financial investment that can be a barrier to a lot of people wanting to enter the aviation industry. The $3,750 grant that Lucy received will help alleviate some of the costs associated with her instrument training and help to bring her closer to her goals.
This year’s AVL Runway 5K will take place October 11th.
