Lightspeed names grant recipients

The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation has revealed the five aviation charities that will receive grants of $2,000 to $10,000.

The top five Lightspeed Aviation Foundation Pilots Choice Award recipients in descending number of votes received for 2015 are:

#1 Pilots N Paws — Awarded a cash grant of $10,000 and Number 1 vote recipient: Pilots N Paws brings pilots and plane owners together to share the gift of flight to assist with the transportation of rescue, shelter or foster animals. The Pilots Choice grant will be used to host flyway events and fund booth space at various pilot functions to increase awareness of Pilots N Paws.

#2 The Ninety-Nines — Awarded a cash grant of $8,000: The Ninety-Nines advances women in aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support; while sharing an international passion for flight. The Pilots Choice grant will be used to continue and expand outreach activities and develop new and unique programs.

#3 Civil Air Patrol — Awarded a cash grant of $6,000: Civil Air Patrol is volunteer citizens serving communities through emergency services, aerospace education and an on-going cadet program. The Pilots Choice grant will help fund and expand youth participation in the K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program.

#4 NTM Aviation — Awarded a cash grant of $4,000: New Tribes Mission is pilots and technicians providing direct, efficient and safe missionary aviation support in remote areas around the world. The Pilots Choice grant will be applied toward their need for a fuel efficient airplane in Papua New Guinea.

#5 JAARS — Awarded a cash grant of $2,000: JAARS provides aviation support, transportation and information services to speed the task of Bible translation around the world, including new programs added in 2014 in Australia and Tanzania.

Seven honorees each received an award commemorating their recognition as a Lightspeed Aviation Foundation finalist and will receive a Lightspeed headset. They are:

1. Angel Flight West
2. Experience Aviation
3. Miracle Flights for Kids
4. Mission Aviation Fellowship
5. Missionary Flights International
6. Patient AirLift Services
7. Patriots Jet Team Foundation

“Awarding these aviation charities provides the opportunity to advance their individual cause and together expand awareness and appreciation for aviation,” says Allan Schrader, President of Lightspeed Aviation. “Since its inception, the Pilots 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.”