The Racing Aces team, Dianna Stanger and Joyce Wilson, who won the 2014 Air Race Classic, awarded a $2,500 scholarship at the Southeast Texas Fly-In to Yasmina Platt, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) Regional Manager of the Central Southwest Region.
Yasmina was born in the Canary Islands, Spain. Raised in Zaragoza, she has called the United States home for over 10 years. Since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a pilot.
Platt is a commercial pilot with instrument, multi-engine land, single engine land and single engine sea ratings as well as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFII and CFI). She holds a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a M.S. in Transportation Planning and Management from Texas Southern University. She is also a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
“Now I’m working on my next dream, to become a helicopter pilot, because I believe in bettering yourself,” Platt wrote in an essay which was apart of the entry requirements. “Looking further, learning more about other aspects of general aviation I have not yet explored, and challenging yourself within your limits and reach. Plus, you always hear that ‘a pilot is always learning.’ I agree with it and live by it.”
Platt is also an Adjunct Aviation Professor at Utah Valley University (UVU) having taught classes in aviation logistics, private pilot flying, business aviation, and aviation management. She lives in Houston, with her husband Jared, an airline pilot and GA supporter.
“It’s very important for our team to award these scholarships,” said Stanger. “The female pilot population is very low — only 6%! We’re doing our best to pay it forward and promote aviation. Yasmina is an excellent role model for any girl wanting to learn to fly. She is always willing to volunteer her time when we host aviation events.”
The team has awarded $12,500 in scholarships since 2012.