Lightspeed Expands Aviation Growth Promotion

Headset manufacturer Lightspeed Aviation says it's expanding its aviation philanthropic efforts by focusing in-kind donations of headsets to scholarship and learn-to-fly programs. At a press conference at Sun ‘n Fun 2018 in Lakeland this week, Lightspeed CEO Allan Schrader says past donations have been funneled into compassionate giving, but now the company is interested in stimulating aviation growth.

The company's new emphasis is twofold: supporting organizations already offering scholarships with headset donations and joining other, established learn-to-fly efforts. Schrader said groups such as the 99s, who may already have scholarships of up to $5000 or more, can get a free Lightspeed headset to buttress their programs. Lightspeed has also partnered with AOPA to support in-kind contributions to the organization's You Can Fly program. Lightspeed has committed $50,000 in headset contributions for use in that program. Schrader said the company's goal is to "attract, incent and reward" efforts to grow the pilot population. "We're small, but we can do something," he said.