CA’s Anthony ‘Tony’ Jimenez Scores $20K Award

Throughout his journey from Costa Rica to the United States, California student pilot, Anthony ‘Tony’ Jimenez (pictured), has dreamed of becoming a professional aviator.

Even with aggressive new programs like the ones offered by the Sling Pilot Academy (SPA), such pursuits seem daunting at first. But Anthony’s recent win in a $20K scholarship competition will help make his dream achievable as he works towards his goal of joining the worldwide aviation community as a professional pilot.

Jimenez is pursuing a childhood fascination with aviation that was nurtured by his father, who would take him to see the airplanes at a local airport. Tony notes that it’s been a rough road sometimes, “but I’m here… and I’m really grateful to the Sling Pilot Academy for giving me the opportunity.”

SPA Co-Founder Wayne Toddun is a huge fan of Tony’s mission in life. “Tony was an obvious standout from the beginning… his dedication to seeing this dream come true was incredible and he’s impressed everyone here with his commitment to becoming a great pilot,” Toddun said.

"I was lucky enough to get to fly with Anthony and he is a true natural, he is going to ace this thing,” said SPA Partner Jean D'Assonville.

Jimenez could have a bright future ahead of him as demand for pilots continues to grow beyond the current ability of the market to supply properly trained aviators. According to the Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook 2019-2038 report; 804,000 new civil aviation pilots, 769,000 new maintenance technicians, and 914,000 new cabin crew will be needed to fly and maintain the world fleet over the next 20 years.

SPA’s Matt Liknaitzky notes that “Interest in properly trained pilots has never been greater… we’re already talking to future employers about their needs and expectations and it appears that the hiring outlook has never been more positive.”

(Source: Sling Pilot Academy news release. Image provided)

FMI: www.slingpilotacademy.com/scholarship