Mountain Mayhem: Aspen Flight Academy

Founded in 2014, the Aspen Flight Academy (AFA) is a group of aviation enthusiasts, professional and recreational pilots, community members, parents, and students united around the passion of flying who are dedicated to providing high school students with the opportunity to become certified pilots. In 2019, AFA partnered with the Aspen School District on its Every Student Flies program, an elective course that prepares students to earn their Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Rating, while also earning high school credits. AFA also offers flight training to anyone interested in aviation, providing the most cost-effective way to obtain a private pilot’s license and more.

To raise funds and awareness for AFA, the inaugural Aviation Gala produced by EKS Events with food from European Catering, and live music by the Derek Brown Band, took place on the evening of Friday, October 6, at the Atlantic Aviation hangar at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.

Guests came dressed in Top Gun-themed costumes such as jumpsuits, aviator lenses, bomber jackets, and more. 

Kevin LaRosa, a cinematographer/pilot who filmed all the flight sequences in the blockbuster film “Top Gun: Maverick,” served as special guest presenter, sharing clips from various films he’s been an aerial coordinator and camera pilot on through his Cinejet business. 

The following day, a family-friendly informational event featured flights on the Academy’s training planes, food and beverages, and more. 

AFA president Jeff Posey shared statistics on aviation as a profession, including the declining number of pilots graduating from flight schools, which has a ripple effect of fewer and fewer pilots in the industry. Learn more about AFA and its work by visiting www.supportAFA.org.