Mountain Mayhem: Born to fly

Aspen Flight Academy (AFA) honored 30 students from schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley on Monday, May 19, at the Aspen District Theatre, presenting them with scholarships totaling $40,000.

Founded in 2014, AFA empowers youth and adults to learn about the joys and responsibilities of flying by providing students with classroom and flight training needed to pilot aircraft.

For the recent ceremony, special guest Greg “Boss” Wooldridge gave a keynote speech, speaking to a rapt audience of parents, students, and fellow aviation enthusiasts. Wooldridge shared insights and learnings from his storied career as the Blue Angels’ only commanding officer to have led three tours. Formed in 1946, the Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy and the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world.

Though he didn’t start flying till he was 22, discovering aviation by way of joining the military, he ascended the ranks with grace and gratitude. He referenced the phrase “Glad To Be Here” throughout his presentation, a mindset developed by John “Gucci” Foley, also a former Blue Angels pilot and a decorated Navy pilot with deep ties to the AFA.

Wooldridge noted the importance of these young pilots to find purpose, identify beliefs, value teamwork, and embrace a culture of gratitude. These are also part of the Cs of Trust for the Blue Angels, representing competence, commitment, character, and consistency.

Riveting video footage from the Blue Angels’ missions and demonstrations streamed on the screen, as well as images of their charitable endeavors centered around the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make these children’s aviation-related wishes come true. Wooldridge also recommended watching “The Blue Angels” film on Amazon Prime, which he worked on as an actor and producer and ensured it had a G-rating to reach young audiences.

The leadership teams at the Roaring Fork Valley schools have been ardent supporters of AFA, as has Atlantic Aviation, the fixed-base operator at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Atlantic Aviation has contributed $100,000 to their scholarship program (prior to this year), donated fuel and office space, and provided the venue for their annual fundraising event at the Atlantic Aviation hangar each fall. 

Learn more about AFA and the Aviation Gala by visiting afagala.com.