Wichita Aero Club Accepting Stimpson Scholarship Applications

During the 1990’s, Ed Stimpson was President of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), a post he held for 25 years; he was the face of General Aviation on Capitol Hill. A long time advocate and supporter of aviation education, he graduated from Harvard and earned a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington. He also served for years on the Board of Trustees at Embry-Riddle, holding the position of chairman of the board for seven years. Ed began his career in aviation as the head of Congressional Affairs for the Federal Aviation Administration under the Kennedy Administration. In 1970, he became president of a newly formed aviation association, GAMA, and quickly assumed a leadership role in the industry’s response to nearly every significant aviation policy issue of the era, including the establishment of the Airport and Airways Trust Fund, the allocation of aviation fuel during an oil embargo, and a strike by the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Association. Following his tenure at GAMA, he was appointed by President Clinton to be the United States representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, with the rank of Ambassador. He retired from that position in 2005. “Honoring Ed and his contributions to aviation and education by naming the Wichita Aero Club’s annual scholarship is a fitting tribute to a true statesman and friend of all those who fly,” Mr. O’Leary concluded.

The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, provide a forum focused on the industry’s issues and achievements and bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding.

For more information on the Wichita Aero Club, the Ed Stimpson Scholarship or events, call 316-681-4491 or visit the WAC website at www.wichitaaeroclub.org.