Level Up Aviation

12/28/2025

From U.S. Air Force aviator to airline pilot, Ilma Valle breaks down her flying career in a fast-paced Q&A—covering military aviation, airline life, career transitions, and what it really takes to make it to the cockpit.

In this rapid-fire interview, Ilma shares insights on:
• Becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force
• Transitioning from military to airlines
• Leadership lessons from aviation
• Advice for aspiring pilots—especially

Whether you’re dreaming of flight school, curious about Air Force pilot training, or navigating a path to the airlines, this one-minute interview is packed with inspiration and real-world perspective.

🎯 Takeaway: There’s no single flight path—but there is a way forward.

12/13/2025

Now accepting applications for the $5,000 Stephanie Goetz & Endre Holen Multi-Engine Commercial Scholarship. Applications are open through December 24. Learn more and apply here: https://form.jotform.com/253367688394172

"Endre and I are thrilled to donate another multi-engine commercial scholarship to a deserving Sisters of the Skies woman. These young women are determined, dedicated and passionate about pursuing a career in aviation and we are honored to empower that dream so they can be an inspiration for the next generation of female pilots." —Stephanie Goetz

12/11/2025

Level Up Aviation is proud to announce that Chloe Cicero has officially earned her Private Pilot License.

Chloe first learned about our scholarship because her uncle, Dave Zenner, MBA, C.P.M., saw it on LinkedIn and passed it along.

That single act of sharing opened the door for finical aide for Chloe to complete her training a reminder of how powerful this platform can be when we amplify opportunities.

Earlier this year, Level Up Aviation awarded Chloe $5,000 toward her aviation journey as she works toward her commercial pilot’s license.

And she’s earned every bit of it.

After her first discovery flight at 17, Chloe was hooked.

A high-honors graduate from Shawano, WI, she logged her first 50 hours entirely on her own, working in childcare to pay for every lesson.

Coming from a Marine Corps family, determination is in her DNA.

Now she’s beginning her aviation studies at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, WI, with big dreams ahead. As Chloe says:

“Aviation is delicate, dangerous, and difficult but it’s also freedom. And I live for the journey.”

Congratulations, Chloe. The sky is yours.

If you want to help Chloe and other young aviators take flight, you can support our nonprofit by donating or shopping our store.

Every dollar goes directly back into scholarships and youth aviation programs.

Consider a small donation or shopping out store https://www.levelupaviation.org

11/27/2025

Grateful today for the donors and volunteers who help Level Up Aviation turn dreams into flight paths.

You’re the reason kids who’ve never touched a yoke get their first chance to fly. ✈️💙

Thankful for strong coffee, stronger community, and everyone who believes aviation should be accessible—not exclusive.

Happy Thanksgiving from Level Up Aviation!

✨🦃

08/07/2025

What inspired you?

07/18/2025

Level Up Aviation is proud to award Chloe Cicero $5,000 in pursuit of a commercial pilot's licence.

You can help Chloe and other deserving individuals' dreams take flight by donating or shopping at our nonprofit store.

After her first discovery flight at age 17, Chloe Cicero was hooked on the skies.

A high school honors graduate from Shawano, Wisconsin, she has already logged 50 flight hours toward her private pilot’s license—completely self-funded by working in childcare with young children.

Coming from a military family, with a father who served as a U.S. Marine, she’s no stranger to hard work and determination.

Chloe graduated from high school as an honors student. This year, she’ll begin her aviation studies at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, WI, with dreams of becoming a commercial pilot.

As she says, “Aviation is delicate, dangerous, and difficult—but it’s also freedom. And I live for the journey.”

Congratulations, Chloe!

07/15/2025

The 2026 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open, and members can review dozens of scholarships at www.wai.org/scholarships.

07/01/2025

Scholarship Alert 🚨

https://make-a-pilot.org/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLRNm9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHreocm1u43qNmOP_KpTO-sFPJqs5jaH-P4u9d_kmxjaNPYIgBHAPZgDfOi2X_aem_n4s78XfTDm_IQnbrp9qcCQ

05/13/2025

What do you think of this pink Pegasus patch? Is it giving Chappell Roan vibes?Testing new products is equal parts fun and terrifying. Something that feels deeply personal can totally miss the mark with a wider audience—and that’s part of the risk. https://levelupnonprofit.etsy.com

04/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qy4uLQVw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌄🛫There are just 8 days to submit your application for the May Make-A-Pilot Scholarship. We will be awarding one $2,500 scholarship for any fixed-wing rating.🛬🌄
-
Follow us for future scholarship opportunities, giveaways, and more.
-

04/14/2025

Do you know someone chasing their dream of flight… and broke while doing it? (So, basically every pilot.)

Then send them this opportunity!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our first Spring Scholarship — a $5,000 award to support future aviators.

The application window opens this Friday, April 18, and runs through May 26, 2025.

But that’s not all — our Maintenance Scholarship is set to launch the following week. Stay tuned!

Eligibility:
Applicants must be enrolled in a private pilot ground school or have logged flight time with a Certified Flight Instructor.

Ready for takeoff?
Visit our website starting Friday to apply!

03/22/2025

Level Up Aviation board member Paul Taggart visited Prattville Primary School, where he spoke to over 80 kids about his job. One curious student asked, “Why do military members have so many patches and pockets?”