SKYBLAZER ACADEMY TAKES FLIGHT
Skyblazer Academy formally launches on its mission to expand access for young adults in the field of aviation as pilots, aviation professionals and future leaders in aviation.
CINCINNATI -- Skyblazer Academy, an organization dedicated to help young adults in the field of aviation, announced its formal launch today.
Its mission is to expand access for young adults in the field of aviation as pilots, aviation professionals and future leaders. Traditional obstacles such as time, money and resources currently prevent 80 percent of student pilots from obtaining their private pilot license.
"By removing the barriers of cost, time and unfocused resources, Skyblazer will help to ensure many more young adults successfully complete private pilot training," says Matt Gerus, president of Skyblazer Academy.
The full vision for Skyblazer Academy is to:
Provide scholarships for the full cost of a private pilot license, including all pilot materials and testing. Provide full private pilot course instruction through a partnership with a nationally recognized and respected fight school. Target completion of the entire private pilot training program within a 60-day period. Supplement flight training with further aviation education, leadership opportunities, and life skills training.
Skyblazer Academy is currently finalizing a partnership with a premier flight school to implement a flight training program conducted in a safe, professional manner within a defined training structure. Skyblazer Academy will provide a positive and supportive environment to foster a spirit of excitement and comradery to aspiring pilots.
"Our vision is not just to create new pilots," Gerus says. "It's also to inspire and develop future aviation leaders."
The Skyblazer Academy program will be implemented in multiple phases. This will enable the nearterm launch of the flight training program in June while allowing time for development of additional education and personal development programs. Experience and insights from each phase will be incorporated into ongoing operations.
"Our goal is to award four or five scholarships this year, with at least double that number for 2020," Gerus says.
A big part of the Skyblazer Academy vision also includes connecting donors and the larger aviation community to these aspiring young aviators.
"Through social media, we will all be able to follow these student pilots from first flight, to solo and check ride, sharing in their excitement and sense of accomplishment," Gerus says. "By celebrating these new pilots, we will be able to expand awareness and interest in aviation."
Skyblazer Academy is calling on the generous aviation community network for financial support. Current pilots, aviation professionals and aviation-related businesses can all contribute through crowdfunding, recurring donations and partial or full scholarships. "By investing in these aspiring young aviators and sharing in their stories, we can celebrate their success and welcome them into the aviation community," Gerus says.
For more information and to help support the scholarship program, please visit www.skyblazeracademy.org or contact Matt Gerus at mgerus@skyblazeracademy.org
About Skyblazer Academy
Skyblazer Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to expanding access for young adults into the field of aviation as pilots, aviation professionals and future leaders in aviation. The goal of Skyblazer Academy is to overcome the traditional obstacles that prevent student pilots from obtaining their private pilot license through scholarships, flight instruction and additional educational opportunities. Skyblazer Academy also provides a positive and supportive environment to foster a spirit of excitement and comradery to aspiring and new pilots.
