Jeffersonville, IN – April 25, 2026 – At just 17 years old, Tyler Braitling of Jeffersonville, Indiana, is already charting a course toward the flight deck—and a $3,000 scholarship from the Lyons Aviation Foundation is helping accelerate that journey.
Braitling’s passion for aviation took off at age nine after a flight on an MD-88 sparked a lasting fascination with the skies. By age 11, he was in the cockpit for his first discovery flight. Now, with flight hours underway, he is on track to earn his Private Pilot License as early as this summer.
Balancing flight training with Air Force ROTC, varsity tennis, a demanding academic schedule, and two part-time jobs, Braitling is funding his aviation goals while building a resume defined by discipline and drive.
“I’ve been watching UPS 767s fly overhead for years,” Braitling said. “That’s where I want to be.”
His ambitions are firmly set on wide-body aircraft. Whether through an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy—where he hopes to fly the KC-46—or a future in cargo aviation flying the Boeing 767 for UPS, Braitling is steadily building the experience and focus required to succeed.
The Lyons Aviation Foundation awards scholarships to aspiring pilots who demonstrate exceptional commitment, helping remove financial barriers and create pathways into the aviation industry.
2026- Tyler Braitling
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is proud to presenT out top
2026 Scholarship Recipient
Tyler Braitling
Tyler Braitling
Cleared for Takeoff: Jeffersonville’s Tyler Braitling Lands Top Aviation Scholarship
Jeffersonville, IN – April 25, 2026 – At just 17 years old, Tyler Braitling of Jeffersonville, Indiana, is already charting a course toward the flight deck—and a $3,000 scholarship from the Lyons Aviation Foundation is helping accelerate that journey.
Braitling’s passion for aviation took off at age nine after a flight on an MD-88 sparked a lasting fascination with the skies. By age 11, he was in the cockpit for his first discovery flight. Now, with flight hours underway, he is on track to earn his Private Pilot License as early as this summer.
Balancing flight training with Air Force ROTC, varsity tennis, a demanding academic schedule, and two part-time jobs, Braitling is funding his aviation goals while building a resume defined by discipline and drive.
“I’ve been watching UPS 767s fly overhead for years,” Braitling said. “That’s where I want to be.”
His ambitions are firmly set on wide-body aircraft. Whether through an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy—where he hopes to fly the KC-46—or a future in cargo aviation flying the Boeing 767 for UPS, Braitling is steadily building the experience and focus required to succeed.
The Lyons Aviation Foundation awards scholarships to aspiring pilots who demonstrate exceptional commitment, helping remove financial barriers and create pathways into the aviation industry.
About The Lyons Aviation Foundation:
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit private foundation that exists to support and encourage the next generation of pilots and aviators through offering financial scholarships to deserving young persons who are pursuing their Private Pilot Certificate. The Lyons family has been involved in and maintained a history of aviation-related careers for over 67 years. The Lyons Aviation Foundation story started with Rolf C. Lyons, when he entered military service at the age of 17, enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1955, with his sons later following in his footsteps. This foundation was born out of a desire to give back to the aviation community and the future pilots, mechanics, and engineers working in the field by providing an opportunity to those that might not otherwise have the means to pursue aviation as a career path. This foundation is a living tribute to a family story and its ties to aviation, military service, and one another. More information can be found at www.lyonsaviation.org.
“A Helping Hand on the Road to Wings”