The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation has revealed the 10 aviation charities chosen through online voting to share grants totaling $60,000. In ascending order of number of votes received for 2013 are:
#10 Air Race Classic, which encourages and educates current and future women pilots. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be applied to collegiate outreach.
#9 JAARS, which provides aviation support, transportation and information services to speed the task of Bible translation around the world. The Pilot’s Choice award resources will help fund new aviation projects in Tanzania or Southeast Asia.
#8 Missionary Flights International, which meets the air support needs of missionary families in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will help fund a turbine DC-3 to assist the organization’s mission efforts in Haiti.
#7 Angel Flight West, a volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. Pilot’s Choice award funds will enable necessary modifications in the Angel Flight IT system.
#6 Mission Aviation Fellowship, which uses aviation, technology and faith to meet the physical and spiritual needs of isolated people in dozens of countries. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be used to operate ongoing programs, launch new initiatives, and expand services.
#5 Recreational Aviation Foundation, which is keeping recreational aviation strong by preserving and maintaining backcountry and recreational airstrips throughout the U.S. RAF will use the Pilot’s Choice award funds to further its mission.
#4 The Ninety-Nines, which promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be used for increased outreach and a new scholarship award.
#3 Civil Air Patrol, which has more than 61,000 members nationwide. The 2013 Pilot’s Choice award resources will help fund the K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education program.
#2 New Tribes Mission, which equips and coordinates pilots and technicians to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective missionary aviation support in remote areas. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will go toward the cost of overhauling a Robinson R-44 helicopter.
#1 Pilots N Paws, which provides a forum for pilots and plane owners to share the gift of flight to assist with the transportation of rescue, shelter or foster animals. The Pilot’s Choice grant will go toward increasing awareness of the organization in the aviation community.
“Since its inception, the Pilot’s Choice voting and awards have introduced us all to dozens of worthy charities and amazing people that are making a significant impact around the world,” said Allan Schrader, president of Lightspeed Aviation. “With twice as many votes as last year, the awards are having a meaningful impact on expanding awareness and appreciation for aviation.”
Nominations and grant applications for the 2014 Pilot’s Choice Awards are available here. Aviation non-profits committed to growing the pilot community and using their gifts for compassion and service to others are eligible to apply.
The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation was established in 2010 out of the commitment and passion of the Lightspeed Aviation Corp. to serve the aviation community.
Click here to watch the video announcement.