Amy Hills
Every year, the agents and pilots of Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) give back to the aviation community they serve through a scholarship; and each year continues to be a daunting task! Many deserving applicants from a variety of backgrounds have applied, and it proves difficult to pick just one. So difficult, in fact, that for the past two years AIR scholarship judges ended up awarding two scholarships. This year proved no different!
Russel Stafford
Amy Hills did not always have the flying bug, but that all changed on her 31st birthday when she was gifted a discovery flight. The rest is history and she is charging ahead towards her goal to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Amy will be using the scholarship to help complete her instrument rating. Amy demonstrates a drive to be a role model for her young daughters as well as to inspire a future generation of young pilots by regularly participating as an EAA Young Eagles Pilot. She also works tirelessly to get more families exposed to their local airport through educational events. It was her drive to share her passion for aviation with others that brought Amy to the top of AIR’s finalist list.
Also at the top of that list was 18 year old Russel Stafford whose family was his inspiration to become a pilot. He regularly spent time flying with his grandmother in her Beech Bonanza, and his great grandfather was a retired TWA captain. As one of six children, this scholarship will ease his family’s burden and help Russel one day achieve his goal of becoming an aerial firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. Russel is already well on his way. He has completed ground school and his knowledge test. He’s currently learning to fly a Cessna 140 out of a grass strip while also visiting airshows and attending EAA meetings. Russel stated in his essay that general aviation has shaped his life for the better, a quality everyone at AIR could relate to.
Since 1999, AIR has remained closely connected to the industry they serve, many of their customers are friends and some are even family. This is because all the agents at AIR are pilots and understand the needs and challenges in owning or renting an aircraft and aviation related businesses. No matter your involvement in aviation, AIR can provide a comprehensive yet economical solution for your needs. For updates on future scholarships or an aircraft insurance quote call 301-682-6200 or fill out a quote request online today!
