Gordon Davis has been named the winner of the 2024 Phillips 66 Aviation Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Leadership Award.
“The award means a lot to me, and I am honored to be able to make lifetime relationships with youth,” said Davis, a member of EAA Chapter 1522 in Cynthiana, Kentucky, who has flown 860 Young Eagles. “At a young age, I would have loved for someone to have guided me in flight. At our little airport in Cynthiana, Kentucky, kids and the Young Eagles program are the heart of the airport. I have so many fine people who support me in mentoring these passionate young individuals, allowing us to give them as many flights as they want, so they can pursue their license and achieve their goals.”
From a young age, Davis gazed up at the sky with dreams of soaring among the clouds. His journey into the world of aviation took an unconventional path. Initially, he carved out a successful career in IT in the federal government. However, his interest in aviation remained strong. At the age of 40, he pursued his lifelong dream and worked towards earning his pilot’s certificate. His dedication to aviation led him to Cynthiana where he found an airport that was more than just a place to park an airplane — it was a community.
“The field of aviation is fortunate to have so many passionate individuals who set aside time to support youth through the Young Eagles program,” said Sunny Lopez, Manager, Phillips 66 Aviation. “This year, we proudly recognized Gordon Davis with the Phillips 66 Aviation EAA Young Eagles Leadership Award for his outstanding dedication. Davis has not only facilitated countless one-off flight opportunities for families but has also nurtured meaningful relationships and guided young minds toward safe and inspiring experiences in aviation.”
The Young Eagles program aims to inspire youth aged 8-17 by offering free flights in general aviation planes.
“Some of these kids in the Young Eagles program have been with us since they were 10 years old and now they are 16,” said Davis. “Watching them grow and seeing them reach the pedals after so many flights with us is incredibly rewarding. Several of the boys and girls in the program have even received EAA scholarships.”
He added that flying Young Eagles is “a hobby I couldn’t give up.”
“Leaving the Young Eagles program would be like ripping out my heart,” he said.
Beyond his involvement with the Young Eagles program, Davis has contributed to several other youth programs for EAA Chapter 1522, including an RV-12 teen build project, hands-on Young Eagles workshops, and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. He also served as an EAA technical counselor for five years and successfully completed the build of an RV-7.
For 29 years, Phillips 66 Aviation has sponsored EAA Young Eagles. It provides a $1-per-gallon avgas rebate to all Young Eagles volunteer pilots, helping the Young Eagles program with even more flights, according to company officials.
For more information: Phillips66Aviation.com, EAA.org
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