Mountain Mayhem: The Aviation Gala
Ricardo Savi/Courtesy photo
Founded in 2014, Aspen Flight Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and flight training school in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to become certified pilots. Since 2019, they have partnered with the Aspen School District for the “Every Student Flies” innovative program, which gives every student the opportunity to experience a flight and learn about aviation careers, many of whom were at the gala, interacting with guests and speaking to their pursuit of flying.
The Aviation Gala has become a fixture on the fall social calendar as it has continued to grow with support and energy from a long list of sponsors who literally lift up, including EKS Events, who produces it, to inspiring speeches by aviation experts, including MC “Whiz” Buckley, a Blue Angel who flew over the opening reception on the tarmac, to the bank of flight simulators that were hotly sought after all night to live musical performances such as the Spazmatics this year, and more.
At the gala, Jonathan Jones, general manager of Atlantic Aviation’s Aspen Fixed Base Operations, announced the establishment of a nonprofit entity that will contribute more than $1.6 million to enable the Aspen Flight Academy to pay off three leased training Diamond DA40 planes.
“We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with the Aspen Flight Academy,” said Clive Lowe, executive vice president and chief development officer at Atlantic Aviation. “This contribution will help the Academy to focus on scholarships for students in the Roaring Fork Valley. We’re proud to support the meaningful and impactful work this program brings to the community.”
“Atlantic Aviation has been an extraordinary partner since the inception of Aspen Flight Academy, and this transformative gift ensures the long-term, sustainable future of our mission,” stated Randall Brodsky, president of Aspen Flight Academy. “The generosity of Atlantic in retiring more than $1.6 million of the aircraft debt not only strengthens the foundation of our operation, but also expands our ability to reduce costs and provide more scholarships for aspiring aviators. We are deeply grateful for Atlantic Aviation’s enduring commitment to the Aspen Flight Academy to empower the next generation of pilots. They have been a true partner from the beginning.”
Learn more by visiting aspenflightacademy.org.
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