The Leading Edge Aviation Foundation was founded in 2018; made up of local pilots with the mission statement:
“Leading Edge educates, encourages, and provides financial assistance to people interested in aviation who might otherwise be excluded.”
Created as a qualified Charitable Organization (IRS 501(c)(3) with Tax ID # 82-4761705) –
(a) To be able to collect tax deductible donations to support scholarships, flight training subsidies and to develop other resources to bring aviation opportunity to the local community; and
(b) To operate flight training aircraft at the lowest practical cost for local residents who wished to learn to fly; for local pilots wishing to upgrade their certificates and to maintain the highest desired level of proficiency.
Known locally, and affectionately as LEAF, here is a summary of historical milestones since the creation of the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation.
Our History
Accomplishments & Activity since 2018
- We maintain a fleet of two training aircraft (at Baxter County and Marion County airports.)
- LEAF has trained and provided learning assistance to more than 30 pilots.
- 15 pilots have soloed, or received FAA pilot certificates through LEAF in the last three years. More are currently in basic or advanced training.
- LEAF pilots and mechanics annually support Career Days at the high school and junior high each year with all-day speakers presenting aerospace industry career information and options.
- LEAF members annually mentor the Bomber Aviation Club and the competition Drone Team.
Since 2019
- Maintains the Aviation Learning Center at the airport – with a flight simulator and resources for learner pilots and their instructors.
- Provides quality evening ground instruction sessions in the Aviation Learning Center when demand warrants preparation for the private pilot knowledge test.
Since 2020
- LEAF members host annual educational airport visits for students and teachers – to learn about airport operations, the aviation industry and aerospace careers of all types.
Since 2021
- LEAF awards its first cash scholarship and initiates a program to sustain two types of annual assistance awards for students:
- (a) Experience scholarships – for undergraduates to attend aviation summer camps (National Flight Academy (Pensacola FL), U.S. Naval Academy “Summer Seminar” and other summer aviation programs.
- (b) Education – scholarships for graduates towards any aerospace industry career.
- Creates and sponsors regular open public events at the airport to enhance community relations and promote aviation. Examples: National Aviation Day airport open house; Warbird fly-in; STEM Flights* and EAA Young Eagles flights; Airport Open House; AOPA Rusty Pilot Seminars; “Discovery” flights.
- Makes public appearances and presentations to local organizations wishing to learn more about aviation in our area (Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Elks Club, government officials).
- Began a quarterly radio show (KTLO) updating the area on aviation activity, developments at the airport, the school district’s aviation “career path” in Mountain Home and other opportunities for access to aviation by anyone interested.
Since 2022
- Initiated the national AOPA aviation STEM curriculum in our high school; a three-year program that on graduation leads to FAA certificates as either:
- (a) commercial drone operator, or
- (b) completion of the private pilot knowledge test;
- This program makes our graduates
- (a) immediately employable in aerospace careers or
- (b) able to enter higher education towards aviation related professions.
- 100 students initially registered, building towards 150 students when the 3-year program is fully enrolled.
- Created and maintains a year-round “Aviation Corner” at school libraries – stocked with aviation periodicals free for the taking by students.
Since 2023
- LEAF partners with the airport to create an internship in airport management and aviation operations for a high school senior. Work is underway to expand this program to include a second internship in airport service operations.
- Raised funds to purchase and donate to the school a fleet of FAA certified Redbird Flight Simulators for use in aviation STEM classes.
2024 GOALS:
- To continue to develop and support aerospace education and career opportunities.
- (a) Purchase equipment and materials needed to expand the high school aviation STEM program leading to FAA licensing as drone operators and pilots.
- (b) Expand cash scholarship awards for aviation experiences and graduate education in aerospace career fields, both in number and cash amounts available.
- (c) expand the live flight experiences available for students using local aircraft and pilots.
If you consider these activities and objectives noteworthy, please join us with a donation in support for 2024.