AEFCO offers scholarships and grants for exam fees associated with the FAA Knowsledge or flight training. Below you will find a list of the specific scholarships. Select each to view the criteria and other information:

• AEFCO Matching Grant
• Hank Bartlett Scholarship
• Pete Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship
• Carl Susemihl Memorial Grant

AEFCO reserves the right to use the name and/or photograph of any scholarship award recipient in promotional materials designed to increase awareness of the scholarship funds and to solicit funding or advertise fund raising events for scholarships.

AEFCO Matching Fund Grant

Background:

AEFCO will assist student who have an intense interest in aviation. Toward that end, AEFCO will offer Matching Fund Grants to selected students who can show an equal amount of funds being place on deposit with an approved Cerfitifed Flight Instruction (CFI) or Fixed Base Operator (FBO).

Definition:

• The scholarship is to be used for flight training.
• Successful applicants shall be the recipient of a grant in an amount up to $500.
• These funds must be matched and approved by the AEFCO Board of Directors.
• These grants may be placed on hold or terminated at any time base on fund availability.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a recent student in good standing in the AEFCO year-round program which prepares the student to take the Knowledge Test for Private Pilot Airplane.
• Applicant must have passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test for Privat Pilot Airplane with a grade no lower than 85% (National Average for 2008 is 84.14% - ref www.faa.gov).
• Applicant must provide a copy of the FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Report.
• Applicant must use the scholarship with a local Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Fixed Base Operator (FBO), preferably at Meadow Lake Airport.
• Applicant must hold a Student Pilot Certificate and at least a 3rd Class Medical..
• Applicant must submit an application.

Selection:

The AEFCO Board of Directors will select the recipient from applications. The selection criteria used by the Board shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• grade made by the student on the Knowledge Test for Private Pilot Airplane
• attendance and academics in recent AEFCO year-round classes
• academics in recent school semesters
• demonstrated leadership traits in school and in recent AEFCO year-round classes

Application

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Hank Bartlett Scholarship

Background:

After 19 years as a Science teacher at Air Academy High School where he developed the Aerospace progrm, Henry "Hank" retired to provide flight training full time as a Certified Flight Instructor. In 2004, Hank joined the Aviation Education Foundation of Colorado, Inc, (AEFCO) Board of Directors and served as President for 2 years. Hank is credited starting AEFCO's first Aviation Summer Academy event in June 2004. He has provided flight instruction to AEFCO students.

Definition:

• The scholarship is to be used for flight training.
• The amount of the scholarship will be determined by the AEFCO Board of Directors.
• This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of funds available and applicant eligibility.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be an active participant in the AEFCO programs, preferably the Private Pilot Prep Course.
• Applicant must have passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
• Applicant must provide a copy of the FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Report.
• Applicant must use the scholarship with a local Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
• Applicant must be recommended by one of the AEFCO Board of Directors.
• Applicant must submit an application.

Selection:

The AEFCO Board of Directors will select the recipient based on financial need, personal motivation, career goals, extracurricular activities, as well as the overall quality of the application and the ability of the applicant to meet a flight training schedule that maximizes the benefit of the award.

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Pedro "Pete" Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship

Background:

A founder of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 72, Pete Gonzalez was recognized as the most dedicated, selfless, and unassuming members - what people in the EAA are supposed to be all about. Pete worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce on the western slope. He later came to Colorado Springs. While he worked and raised his family, he taught over 400 people to fly, many of whom are still at Meadow Lake Airport. During the 2008 Aviation Summer Academy, Pete taught the classes on weather. Pete Gonzalez was a true HERO OF AVIATION.

This scholarship will be funded annually by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 72.

Definition:

• The scholarship is to be used for flight training.
• The amount of the scholarship will range from $100 to $500.
• This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of funds available and applicant eligibility.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be an active participant in the AEFCO programs, preferably the Private Pilot Prep Course or the Aviation Summer Academy.
• Applicant must have passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
• Applicant must provide a copy of the FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Report.
• Applicant must use the scholarship with a local Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Fixed Base Operator (FBO), preferably at Meadow Lake Airport.
• Applicant must be recommended by one of the AEFCO Board of Directors.
• Applicant must submit an application.

Selection:

The AEFCO Board of Directors will select the recipient based on financial need, personal motivation, career goals, extracurricular activities, as well as the overall quality of the application and the ability of the applicant to meet a flight training schedule that maximizes the benefit of the award.

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Carl Susemihl Memorial Grant

Background:

Carl Susemihl barnstormed across the United States and was a pilot during World War II.  A farmer in eastern El Paso County, asked Carl for flying lessons. “We got a tractor and dragged a strip,” Susemihl said.  “I taught him how to fly, and before I knew it, I had a bunch of students.”  Carl bought the land and it is home to what is now called Springs East Airport. 

This grant is funded from the proceeds of an annual auction sponsored by Darlene Williams and other friends of Carl Susemihl.

Definition:

• The grant is to be used to cover the fee for taking the FAA Private Pilot Knowlege Test..
• This grant will be awarded on the basis of funds available and applicant eligibility.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be 16 years of age.
• Applicant must be an active participant in the AEFCO programs, preferably the Private Pilot Prep Course.
• Applicant must have passed the AEFCO practice Knowledge Test with a mimunum score of 90%.
• Applicant must be recommended by one of the AEFCO Board of Directors.

Selection:

The AEFCO Board of Directors will select the recipient.

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Establishing a Scholarship

Creating a named scholarship through AEFCO is one way you can assist students and leave a legacy. It's also a very meaningful way to honor family and friends.

To learn how you can establish a scholarship, click here

Give to an Existing Scholarship

You may find that a scholarship has already been established for your friend or family member or one that matches your interests.

To contribute to an existing scholarship, click here.