More Than $3 Million Raised Through Cessna Citation Mustang Auction

When the bidding concluded earlier this month, the anonymous winner of Sporty's Cessna Citation Mustang, serial number 13, was ponying up $3,117,000 for his new aircraft.

"In addition to this auction being an exciting event for general aviation with someone [being] able to fly home a brand-new Cessna Mustang this month," said Sporty's Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers, "it has provided nearly $500,000 in funding for The Sporty's Foundation to support programs attracting young people to aviation, our most important job as an industry."

A priority for the Foundation is ensuring the future of general aviation's small aircraft fleet through the support of initiatives whose goal is attracting professionals into this aviation sector.

"Our business is small airplanes," said Shevers, "and The Sporty's Foundation is dedicated to supporting scholarships and programs for individuals pursuing a career maintaining these aircraft."

The Foundation was created in April 2007 to fund initiatives to ensure a healthy future for the general aviation community by providing young people with information about the many careers available in aviation.

Its initial bequest was to the Aircraft Electronics Association's Educational Fund to provide scholarship money for individuals pursuing careers as avionics technicians.

In the months to come, The Foundation expects to fund additional scholarship programs and outreach campaigns with an emphasis on youth.

Sporty's has given away at least one new aircraft every year since 1986.

The newest winner is expected to take delivery of his brand-new Cessna Citation Mustang in Independence, KS, by the end of the month. Training on the Mustang at FlightSafety International was included in the purchase price.

With corporate activities in every segment of general aviation, Sporty's has evolved from the "World's Largest Pilot Shop" to "More Than A Pilot Shop," conducting flight training, performing aircraft maintenance, operating an avionics shop, and selling new Cessna aircraft.

Sporty's has 170 active students, 30 CFIs, 15 rental aircraft, and hangar space for more than 100 aircraft.

FMI: www.sportys.com, www.sportysfoundation.org