Able Flight has selected Captain Ferris Butler, US Army (retired) as the first recipient of the new Lockheed Martin/Able Flight Scholarship.
Butler is a Chester, Maryland, resident who sustained severe lower leg injuries in Iraq in 2006 when struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Butler, a double amputee, is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.
After successful completion of Able Flight’s six-week flight school held at Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology, Butler will earn his pilot’s license and receive his wings at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in July 2017.
“Lockheed Martin’s support for the Able Flight program sets an important example of standing behind our military service members both in and out of uniform,” Butler said. “It is very fitting that a firm that started in the aviation industry more than 100 years ago is now supporting veterans as they earn their very own pilot wings. By earning my wings, I will have an opportunity to find freedom from physical limitations as an amputee, while pursuing a new and very technical skillset.”
Able Flight’s Charles Stites said, “We are pleased to partner with our new sponsor Lockheed Martin to provide this unique opportunity for Captain Butler, and look forward to his success as he trains with the Able Flight Class of 2017.”
Congratulations to Captain Butler. As an amputee pilot I can only say that for a double amputee to be able to accomplish the training to achieve his private pilot certificate says a lot about the man. I can’t wait to shake his hand at Oshkosh next July.
It would have been nice to have this program available for Viet Nam vets back then. I went on to school but had to pay for my flying myself. I chose a technical career instead of a flying career.