11/19/2025
Aviation is an ever-growing industry requiring proficient pilots flying well-maintained aircraft in an airspace that is controlled by well-trained ATC specialists.
The Aviation Foundation, TAF, was founded in 1997 as a 501(c)3 publicly funded charity, with the mission to promote aviation, provide aeronautical scholarships and preserve Western Pennsylvania’s rich aviation history. https://aviationfoundation501c3.org.
94% of ALL Donations Directly Fund the Aeronautical Scholarship Programs.
Following TAF’s 39 Awards: Through mid-2025, 100% of Aircraft & Powerplant Mechanic Awardees have attained high paying jobs in the aviation industry with GE Aerospace, Endeavor Air, United Airlines, High Flight Academy, American Airlines and Republic Airways.
1999 Awardee, Rob Ross, turned his scholarship award into a 26-year career (and is still going very strong), spanning aviation instructor, corporate flying to regional airline pilot, and air traffic control.
2002 Awardee, James Arnold, continues as a flight instructor as well as managing the Laurel Highlands Aeronautical Academy at Arnold Palmer International Airport.
Awards for NASA’s Five-day Space Camp generate aeronautical interest through the Huntsville, AL., hands-on program educating bright young elementary and middle school students.
Urgency: Air traffic is expected to double by 2045. 25% of pilots will retire by 2035. 80% of aircraft maintenance professionals will retire by 2035. 40% of ATC facilities are currently understaffed.
Average training costs for Mechanics, Managers and Engineers can cost up to $45K, with pilot training costing up to $120K.
You Help Aviation: Aeronautical training is precise and expensive.
Your donation works to continue these successful educational programs and without your help these programs cease. $50, $100, $500 accumulate to help amass each scholarship award but, $2,500 or a major grant provides the greatest impact toward career-making training.
Additionally, 2025 is the last year to take advantage of the older, more generous higher deduction rules ensuring your generosity will have the most impact.
You are the heroes helping to educate our future aeronautical workforce. We appreciate your generosity.
The Aviation Foundation URL directs you to the website donation page:
https://aviationfoundation501c3.org/sponsorsanddonations
The Aviation Foundation EIN 23-2881602
