During my decades in aviation I have been lucky to meet famous aviators including…
Burt and Dick Rutan (Burt designed and built airplanes, Dick flew around the world non-stop and non-refueled), Chuck Yeager (first to fly at the speed of sound), Scott Crossfield (first to fly at twice the speed of sound), Paul Tibbets (flew the Enola Gay to Hiroshima), Patty Wagstaff (U.S. National Aerobatic Champion), and Bill Powley.
Let me tell you about Lt. Col. William “Bill” Powley (USAF, Ret.).
So far, Bill has…
Graduated from the Air Force Academy
Served in Viet Nam, flying 347 missions and earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 28 Air Medals before retiring
After Col. Powley’s (so-called) retirement he…
Used his G.I. Bill to earn his ATP, Flight Engineer, and CFI
Taught in high school
Formed—for students—FLIGHT Foundation 22 years ago
FLIGHT Foundation has been, and is, an awesome success, and Col. Powley has received recognition, awards, and contributions, including…
National Aviation Hall of Fame Scott Crossfield Award for National Aerospace Science Teacher of the Year
2010: Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Aviation Person of the Year
2011: Tennessee Aeronautics Commission Career Contributions to Aviation Award
2013: Inducted into Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame
These are amazing tributes for a “retired” citizen.
But that’s not even half the story. Powley takes his students—he calls them his kids—for real-life airplane flights, and that makes a difference. The Foundation has operated over 22 years now, with no slowdown in sight. He introduces his kids—and often their parents—to the wonderful world of flight. He has flown over 11,000 kids and plans to fly thousands more in the future.
Some of those kids have gone on to earn flying licenses and many attend fine colleges including West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and many other fine aviation colleges.
Where do the funds for FLIGHT Foundation come from?
Donations. The funds come from FedEx, The Ray Foundation, Scott Niswonger, and many, many other companies and, yes, individuals.
In short, Lt. Col. Powley does one helluva good job. More power to him!
You can email Powley at [email protected], or go to website at www.flightfoundation.com.
Please send comments to [email protected].
About the Author
Ralph HoodRalph Hood
Certified Speaking Professional
Ralph Hood is a Certified Speaking Professional who has addressed aviation groups throughout North America. A pilot since 1969, he's insured and sold airplanes at retail and distributor levels and taught aviation management for Southern Illinois University.
Ralph Hood is also an award-winning columnist (he writes for several publications), a salesman and sales manager (he sold airplanes, for crying out loud!), a teacher (he taught college-level aviation management) and a professional public speaker who has entertained and enlightened audiences from Hawaii to Spain, and from Fairbanks to Puerto Rico.
- Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), National Speakers Association
- Past member, National Ethics Committee, National Speakers Association
- Past president of Alabama Speakers Association
- Member, Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame
- Past National Marketing Mentor, AOPA Project Pilot
