American Aero FTW marked its sixth annual charitable contribution to the Navy SEAL Foundation with a $25,653 donation — and two major milestones. This year, the FBO’s total donations since 2013 topped the $100,000 mark, and three SEALs have received pilot training scholarships under the American Aero FTW matching funds program.
American Aero FTW’s donations allowed the Navy SEAL Foundation to launch a new scholarship last fall. This year, two active duty and one retired SEAL have used the scholarships to advance their desire to pursue pilot certification. The tuition reimbursements were applied to FAA Rotary Wing Pilot Commercial Add-on, Rotorcraft-Helicopter Private Pilot, and Commercial Pilot Aviation Instrument Rating certifications. The new scholarship helps fill a gap in funding from the GI Bill.
The donation comes from the American Aero FTW “Red, White and Blue” program, which enables customers and vendors to contribute. The FBO matches those donations dollar for dollar and provides additional funding to the Navy SEAL Foundation.
“At American Aero FTW, we want our customers to experience our service and professionalism at every touch point, and this scholarship is another way to do just that,” said Robert M. Bass, founder of American Aero FTW. “We are honored to support those who envision their careers in aviation and have served this country at the highest level.”
Foundation CEO Robin King said interest in pilot education among Foundation clientele continues to climb in step with a hot aviation job market. “This scholarship in particular helps prepare former SEALs to move into new careers as civilian pilots,” King said. “American Aero FTW and its customers are making a significant contribution, and we are grateful.”
