Sling Pilot Academy, a flight training institution located in Torrance, CA, has announced its recent achievement in being awarded one of the 2022 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Workforce Development Grants amounting to almost $500,000.
With this grant, the Academy is set to uplift the Torrance and local area communities by providing flight opportunities for local residents.
The FAA grant comes as a recognition of Sling Pilot Academy’s “commitment to excellence” in flight training and its dedication to cultivating a skilled and diverse aviation workforce.
The cornerstone of Sling Pilot Academy’s community uplift initiative is the provision of 25 Private Pilot scholarships valued at a $16,669 each.
These scholarships have all been awarded to Torrance and local-area High School students and individuals, providing them the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming licensed Private Pilots, and paving the way for a promising career in aviation.
‘Sling scholarships are life-changing’
Mark Arranaga, School to Career Coordinator of the Torrance Unified School District, whose students received a portion of the scholarships granted, said: “For the most part, young people’s dreams of becoming a pilot just remain a dream. They don’t know where to start or don’t have the means to obtain the proper education and training.
“That’s why the Sling scholarships are life-changing for our students. We currently have two eager students who were selected for the [Private Pilot] scholarship. Both students said this scholarship would help them fulfill their dream of becoming a pilot. Because of these scholarships, these two students will have their Private Pilot certificate before high school graduation and be on their way to obtaining their Commercial Pilot license. Thank you, Sling!”
In addition to the Private Pilot scholarships, Sling Pilot Academy is in the process of awarding a total of 160 Commercial Drone Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot) scholarships, aimed at further supporting the development of unmanned aviation professionals in the South Bay. The ever-expanding drone industry holds tremendous potential, and through these scholarships Sling Pilot Academy aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to excel in this cutting-edge field.
“We are honoured to have been selected for this FAA Workforce Development Grant,” said Matt Liknaitzky, Torrance Resident and Co-CEO of Sling Pilot Academy.
“At Sling Pilot Academy, we believe in the transformative power of aviation and its ability to change lives. With these scholarships, we aim to create a more inclusive and diverse aviation community while fostering a passion for flight within our local area.”
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