is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aviation. Founded by five local aviation enthusiasts and pilots, 88CHARLIES is named after the Palmyra Municipal Airport, which has the designation of 88C. 88CHARLIES is a grassroots effort that is making a difference in the world of youth aviation. With the tagline, “We don’t build airplanes with kids, we build kids with airplanes,” 88CHAR
LIES teaches both academic and interpersonal skills to students. The goal of the organization is to motivate students to expand their knowledge of aviation, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and history through aircraft restoration. In addition to academic fundamentals, the organization also promotes responsibility, leadership, planning, and teamwork through the weekly workshops. Designed to provide youth aged 12 – 18 years a hands-on opportunity to explore aviation as a career or hobby, 88CHARLIES operates through the generous donation of sponsors. There is no cost to students or parents participating in this program. The primary focus of the organization isn’t just about building airplanes. 88CHARLIES emphasizes the importance of getting students and adults involved in the building process and developing skills along the way. Technical academic principles are taught coupled with an emphasis on the importance of exercising patience, understanding the correlation between effort and results, and how to have fun in a responsible manner. Parents are welcome to work alongside their child, fostering the added benefit of strong family bonding time. To further promote aviation, participating students are offered flight lessons in exchange for classroom hours. 20 hours in the classroom equates to a one-hour flying lesson. Certified flight instructors provide flight lessons. The lessons are given in completed aircraft restored by the students and staff of 88CHARLIES. Each completed aircraft receives an inspection by a designated Aircraft Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the aircraft meet safety standards before the maiden flight after restoration is completed. In addition to retaining completed aircraft for training purposes, additional restored aircraft may also be sold, with the proceeds being invested in the next aircraft projects. The majority of the aircraft restored by the students and staff of 88CHARLIES are vintage 1930 – 1960 aircraft in the economical, low horsepower category.
