More than 100 aviation industry leaders, partners, and volunteers joined National Aviation Academy (NAA) and the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) on Feb. 2, 2022, at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, to raise over one $100,000 for aviation maintenance students in need.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a variety of events and activities, including a scramble-style golf tournament, a hole-in-one competition, various putting and driving games, and a silent auction. The day concluded with an awards ceremony and dinner party recognizing sponsors, silent auction winners, and top players throughout the tournament. The final ceremony also featured a live auction with several memorabilia items donated by esteemed NFL coach Monte Kiffin, who was also in attendance.
Pam Van Sant, president and chief operating officer of NAA, says, "We are so proud to see our partners come together to make aviation maintenance training more accessible to deserving individuals. We believe that education opens the door to opportunity, growth, and creates long-lasting positive change in our communities."
Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry is recovering, and the global need for skilled aircraft mechanics is significant. NAA notes Boeing estimates that 739,000 new aviation maintenance technicians will be needed globally in the next 20 years.
Investment in future generations of aviation maintenance technicians is critical to the continued success of the aviation industry. In addition to the NAA Scholarship Golf Tournament, NAA hosts several fundraising initiatives to bolster aviation maintenance education, including an annual Food Truck Festival and an upcoming Casino Night.
