Patty Wagstaff  Awards Scholarship To  Recipient At Oshkosh

By Tom Woodward

In the world of free flying there are a many places to search for scholarships.

Figure 1 Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization co-founded by Chris Olmsted and AJ Wilder dedicated to providing scholarships to determined individuals pursuing a career in aviation. Figure 1 Foundation acts as a conduit between investors and individuals to provide the highest quality flight training available to people whom otherwise may not have the means. 

So far in their two-year existence, Figure 1 Foundation has raised over $100,000 from sponsors towards these efforts.

Figure 1 Foundation offer scholarships for:

• Fixed Wing Private Pilots
• Tail-wheel endorsement
• Upset recovery/spin training
• Introduction to aerobatics
• Aerobatic Judge Certification

I’m always excited to find a program for Fixed Wing Private Pilots that offers full funding to complete your certificate, not just a set amount. As Co-founder Chris Olmsted says, “Nothing is worse than starting your training and then running out of money before you complete it”. Figure 1 Foundation will pay for your Private pilot Fixed wing rating, for whatever time it takes. For the Tail-wheel endorsement you can receive up to $1750 and for the Upset recover/spin training up to $3800. They will make you a Certified Aerobatic Judge and the certification course covers the cost of the weekend Judge school and travel expenses to and from the aerobatic contest where you earn your required judge assisting, as well as regional judge exams cost. No prior flight experience is needed and Figure 1 Foundation will provide up to $1,100 in tuition. International students are welcome.

At todays press briefing iconic Aerobatic Pilot Patty Wagstaff awarded this year’s scholarship winner of the Upset recovery/spin training and basic aerobatics award to Andrea McGilvray from Hondo, Texas. Andrea will take her training at Patty Wagstaff’s training facility in St. Augustine, Florida. The tail-wheel recipient was Katy Kelly who was not present at the time. 

FMI: http://www.figure1foundation.com/apply/