By Judie Mooney, EAA Chapter 1088 Media Coordinator

EAA Chapter 1088 in Fredericksburg, Texas, has distributed $15,000 in scholarships to aid local area residents to attain a pilot certificate or advanced certification.

The funds were made possible by chapter members through their donations and the purchasing of ball caps sold at their monthly meetings and at Fredericksburg FBO, Gillespie County Airport.

Currently, there is a shortage of commercial pilots, and the number of hobbyists is declining, partly due to the cost of obtaining a private pilot certificate. With costs reaching up to $14,000 for a basic certificate, and additional expenses for advanced certifications, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to break into the world of aviation.

Some of the recipients have quit established careers to follow their dream of being a pilot. All are working and paying for ratings as they go.

Journie Lombardi took a discovery flight at a Jacob Broadbeck event here in Fredericksburg, her first year at Angelo State University, and discovered that she has a love for the sky. She is now working on a bachelor’s in commercial aviation where she is involved in multiple aviation organizations. Journie holds a private pilot certificate, will receive an instrument rating in April, and is working on a commercial rating at the same time. Journie was in foster care and had a rough childhood until she was adopted at 16. She hopes to become an airline pilot, then help as many kids as possible so that no child has to go hungry or scared as she did.

Teaching automotive classes and coaching sports here in Fredericksburg was enjoyable, but Kyle Patteson found himself intrigued with flying after a friend introduced him to aviation. A discovery flight in a small Cessna airplane did the trick, and he now wants to have a career flying through the clouds. Already holding a private pilot certificate, Kyle is waiting on a checkride to complete an instrument rating. Taking a position with Fredericksburg FBO at the Gillespie County Airport gives him additional funds to offset expenses for additional ratings and to immerse himself in aviation. 

Mark Merki completed a private certificate and is working on an instrument rating. He received his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University, then a master’s at Texas State University. He is an Army captain on reserve status after spending five years on active duty, where he served as a tank platoon leader and executive officer. Mark’s goal is to be selected by the Air Force or Army for advanced flight training. The training up to this point has required a substantial amount of his savings.

While at Texas A&M, Mark volunteered doing home restoration. He’s been a volunteer with our local National Museum of the Pacific War for more than 10 years as a reenactor, doing living history events and outreach education throughout Texas.

Taking his first flight lesson at 12 years old, Hadley Inmon is currently studying for his written exam and checkride for a private pilot certificate with plans to become a certified flight instructor. This will give him funds to offset some of the expenses of additional ratings.

Hadley volunteers for multiple organizations, including helping with Christmas lights for the Harper Chamber of Commerce; fundraisers for HALO (Harper Ag & Livestock Organization) and Wild Ride Ministries; preparing meals with Mercy Chefs during the devastating Hill Country floods; and the Jacob Krebs Memorial Hunt, just to name a few.

Currently, he manages his own lawn care business, assists with the family business, and completes small engine repair work as needed.

Quaid Thompson left his career at age 27 to work part-time while attending Schreiner University in Kerrville, where he is majoring in aviation studies and minoring in computer science. He holds a private pilot certificate and an instrument rating and is currently working toward his commercial rating.

Quaid serves as a mentor for a high school robotics program in Johnson City, supporting programming, electrical, and mechanical teams, and has volunteered in many capacities at the Science Mill in Johnson City. He plans to provide piloting services and inspire a new generation of aviators.

You can help future aviators by donating to EAA Chapter 1088. Go to EAA1088.org/Donate or mailing a check to EAA 1088 P.O. Box 1996 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 to donate.

When you donate to the EAA Chapter 1088, you are donating to an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charity, and you are able to take an income tax charitable deduction.