Musicians + flying: A winning combination

The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) recognizes the correlation between the hard work and skill required to learn to fly and learning music — practice, precision, working with others, multitasking, and ultimately performance.

The association has opened the nomination process for its 2021 FMA Solo program from music teachers and directors. Now in its seventh year, the program has averaged two scholarships a year in the first six years while welcoming more than 200 new student members into the FMA network.

The scholarship assists an aspiring flight student from zero time to solo.

Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2021. Candidates must be a junior or senior high school music student with a passion for music and aviation.

All nominees will receive a sponsored FMA student membership, including an FMA shirt and other items donated by FMA members and sponsors. Those who remain engaged in the FMA network are also aided in many ways, according to association officials.

“FMA members love assisting others who share our passions of flying and music,” said FMA President/CEO John Zapp. “To be able to assist and watch our student members grow through aviation and music while inspiring others is such a rewarding experience. The program has soloed 12 students, with one in the wings. There are now many additional private pilots that have come from this program.”

“We are also looking for those in the aviation and music industry who want to jump on the FMA Bandwagon to be a part of this opportunity to grow future leaders – the right way.”

“I used to be in the band and also drum corps and I feel it made me a more focused and better person. I feel it helped me become the president and CEO of Sporty’s,” said Michael Wolf.

The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation for pilots who are musicians, spanning the globe, proficiency levels, and genres. Members share their passions in order to inspire, educate, encourage, and assist through performances, presentations, networking, and scholarships.

The 2021 FMA Solo Packet is now available online.