Mayo Aviation establishes scholarship with Aspen Flight Academy

Mayo Aviation is investing in the next generation of pilots and helping them discover career opportunities in the industry.

To help students realize their passion for flying, the aircraft management and charter service provider announces the establishment of the Gwendolyn O. Mayo Memorial Scholarship.

The $20,000 university scholarship will be awarded to an Aspen Flight Academy student, on a needs basis, to support their pursuit of professional aviation. The scholarship recipient, which will receive four $5,000 annual disbursements, will also be paired with a mentor who will help guide the student through future career opportunities and the business aviation landscape.

Photo courtesy of Aspen Flight Academy

“Aviation has held a significant place in the Mayo family forever,” said Mayo Aviation CEO Bill Mayo. “It is inspiring to help others reach their dreams and also to give back to the community which has given us so much. Gwen Mayo was a champion of the importance of aviation her entire life.”

Photo courtesy of Aspen Flight Academy

Gwen Mayo, the scholarship’s namesake, founded Mayo Aviation in 1978 and was the first woman chair of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and won the organization’s highest award, the William A. Ong Award. She was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame. Her son, Bill, continues the Mayo legacy with the company now.

Aspen Flight Academy provides students with classroom and flight training, empowering future pilots. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2014 by aviation enthusiasts, professional and recreational pilots, and community members united around the passion of flying. The AFA has a diverse base, where 40% of its students are women. Mayo Aviation is the first Part 135 operator to offer a scholarship to Aspen Flight Academy.

The Gwendolyn O. Mayo scholar will have the opportunity to participate in the Mayo Aviation Pilot Development Program, gaining valuable turbine time enhancing their career path, in addition to continuing in the AFA training environment as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 13th October 2022 | Issue #673