By Janice Wood
Each year the Wolf Aviation Fund provides grants for a number of individuals and organizations doing great work in general aviation. To date more than 330 awards have been given, providing worthy applicants the funding and recognition that is so vital for folks working on new ideas.
This year’s deadline for applications is Dec. 15. Applications must meet certain criteria and fit into the fund’s seven major program areas: Developing Public Policy and Airports; Networking and Mutual Support; Development and Alternative Resources; Communications, Media, and Community Relations; General Aviation Technology, Safety, and Noise; Improving Public Understanding and Perception; and Aviation and Space Education.
Proposals that received grants in the past include:
Doug Stewart of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), Inc. received a grant to form a new Aviation Educator Hall of Fame to recognize those having made significant contributions to aviation education.
The Atlantic Aviators Chapter of Women in Aviation International are building a custom designed aviation themed playground at New Bedford Regional Airport in Massachusetts.
Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D. will research, write, and publish a Flight Instructor Communication Manual presenting proven and effective communication techniques for providing instruction to women wishing to be involved in general aviation.
The Fund helped sponsor Teachers’ Day at AirVenture 2012, an event organized by Build a Plane’s Lyn Freeman designed to educate teachers how to use aviation in the classroom to motivate students to learn STEM subjects
A grant supported the Arizona Pilots Association in organizing its first Annual Arizona General Aviation Accident Reduction and Mitigation Symposium (GAARMS), especially the production and distribution of a follow-up report with recommendations designed to enhance safety in the state.
John Zapp of the Flying Musicians Association wanted to develop a passion for aviation among young people involved in music programs, believing these activities all contribute to a well rounded set of experiences. His project involves organizing career fairs and related events supporting the Association’s objectives.
The fund provided support to a new venture called Flying High Coffee in support of bringing its product to the marketplace, with a portion of the proceeds being set aside to fund worthy nonprofit organizations.
Denise Waters, president of the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM), proposed developing maintenance and technical tips for all GA pilots and students.
Startup funding was provided to the Upset Prevention & Recovery Training Association (UPRTA), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing Loss of Control in Flight, which is the number one cause of General Aviation fatalities.
Hank Grudberg of Renaissance E.M.S. in the south Bronx applied for a grant to support the planning, integration and implementation of aviation and aerospace programs with the education, music, and sports programs of the school.
Women Take Flight 2011 received support for a day-long event at the New England Air Museum bringing extraordinary women involved in aviation and aerospace to share their experiences with museum visitors, especially young women considering careers in aviation.
Proposals often received partial support, because by providing partial funding as challenge grants the recipients then may use the honor and recognition of a Wolf Aviation Fund grant to approach others and seek additional funding, officials note.