William Smith
Sanford, FL, 25 April 2024 – William Smith received a scholarship in the amount of $3000 from the Lyons Aviation Foundation to support his desire to get a private pilot license.
William Smith never imagined the glider ride his grandparents gifted him for his tenth birthday would have a very large impact on his life. While the ride itself only lasted twenty minutes—a piloted tour allowing him to experience the world from a view he’d never seen before, bringing him close enough to touch the clouds— that feeling of limitless freedom was all William needed to feel to know what he wanted to do with his career. Now, after receiving the Lyons Aviation Foundation Scholarship, William’s goals are once again within reach.
To begin his path, William studied at the Seminole High School Aviation Academy. There, he was able to foster his knowledge of flight and procedures and just recently passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Since then, William has logged some flight time and hopes to spend more time in the air as he loves to do. One of his favorite memories is from his first discovery flight, when he was actually given control of the aircraft and executed some simple maneuvers. The sight of everything below him being so small resonated with him once again.
With funding help from the Lyons Aviation Foundation, William’s next objective is to acquire his PPL during his time at Sanford Aircraft Flight Training at the Orlando Sanford International Airport. William is grateful for the opportunity and knows that his dreams of reaching the heights that he wishes to are affordable and within reach.
Will Smith
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is proud to presenT
2024 Top Scholarship Recipient
Will Smith
William Smith
Sanford, FL, 25 April 2024 – William Smith received a scholarship in the amount of $3000 from the Lyons Aviation Foundation to support his desire to get a private pilot license.
William Smith never imagined the glider ride his grandparents gifted him for his tenth birthday would have a very large impact on his life. While the ride itself only lasted twenty minutes—a piloted tour allowing him to experience the world from a view he’d never seen before, bringing him close enough to touch the clouds— that feeling of limitless freedom was all William needed to feel to know what he wanted to do with his career. Now, after receiving the Lyons Aviation Foundation Scholarship, William’s goals are once again within reach.
To begin his path, William studied at the Seminole High School Aviation Academy. There, he was able to foster his knowledge of flight and procedures and just recently passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Since then, William has logged some flight time and hopes to spend more time in the air as he loves to do. One of his favorite memories is from his first discovery flight, when he was actually given control of the aircraft and executed some simple maneuvers. The sight of everything below him being so small resonated with him once again.
With funding help from the Lyons Aviation Foundation, William’s next objective is to acquire his PPL during his time at Sanford Aircraft Flight Training at the Orlando Sanford International Airport. William is grateful for the opportunity and knows that his dreams of reaching the heights that he wishes to are affordable and within reach.
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 66 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”