Our Mission

Creating Opportunities Through Aviation

The mission of the Future Aviator Fund is to introduce local students to aviation and remove the financial barriers that can prevent motivated young people from beginning flight training.

Our goal is to provide high school students in Falls City, Richardson County, and the surrounding area with access to aviation experiences they may not otherwise have. As community support grows, we hope to completely sponsor the private pilot training of selected students at no cost to them.

The fund will begin by supporting discovery flights and individual training expenses. Over time, it can grow into a complete pathway from a student’s first flight to earning a private pilot certificate.

What Your Support Can Provide

Donations to the Future Aviator Fund may be used for the following approved student expenses:

Discovery Flights

A discovery flight gives a student the opportunity to sit at the controls, fly with a certified flight instructor, and experience aviation firsthand.

FAA Medical Exams

Student pilots may need to obtain an FAA medical certificate before reaching certain stages of training. The fund can help cover the cost of the required examination.

Ground School

Learning to fly involves much more than operating an airplane. Students study weather, navigation, aerodynamics, regulations, aircraft systems, flight planning, and risk management.

Flight Training

Donations help cover aircraft rental and one-on-one instruction with a certified flight instructor.

Pilot Supplies

FAA Tests

The fund may provide required or recommended training materials such as textbooks, a logbook, charts, a headset, flight-planning tools, and other pilot supplies.

Private pilot applicants must pass an FAA knowledge examination and practical examination, commonly called a checkride. The fund may cover both preparation materials and the examination fees for these tests.

From Community Support to Student Success

1. Our Community Contributes

Individuals, families, businesses, and local organizations contribute to the Future Aviator Fund.

2. Students Apply

Eligible high school students submit an application explaining their interest in aviation, future goals, availability, and willingness to commit to training.

3. Students Are Selected

Recipients are selected according to established program requirements, available funding, and their demonstrated interest and commitment.

4. The Fund Pays Approved Expenses

Funds are applied directly toward qualifying aviation education and training expenses. Money is not distributed to students as unrestricted cash.

5. Students Begin Training

Selected students work with Flight Training Falls City to complete approved training milestones while receiving instruction, support, and accountability.

Supporting Local High School Students

The Future Aviator Fund is being developed primarily for high school students in Richardson County, and the surrounding Southeast Nebraska area.

Students considered for flight-training assistance may be expected to:

• Have a serious interest in aviation

• Meet the applicable age requirements for the stage of training

• Commit to a consistent training schedule

• Complete required ground study outside of lessons

• Meet applicable FAA eligibility and medical requirements

• Maintain regular communication with the program

• Have permission and support from a parent or guardian when required

*Student applications are not yet open. Eligibility requirements, application dates, and available sponsorship opportunities will be announced as funding becomes available.

Long-term vision

Building Pathways Throughout Aviation

The Future Aviator Fund will initially focus on flight training, but aviation is much larger than the cockpit.

As the program grows, we hope to expose local students to additional education and career opportunities, including:

Avionics

Air traffic control

Airport operations

Aircraft maintenance

Aviation management

Unmanned aircraft systems

Aerospace and engineering

Other aviation trades and professions

Our long-term vision is to help young people discover the many career paths available throughout aviation—not only those involving flying an airplane.

Help Fund the Next Flight

Every donation helps provide meaningful aviation opportunities for a local student.

Your support may help pay for:

• A student’s first discovery flight

• An FAA medical examination

• Pilot books and training materials

• Ground instruction

• Aircraft rental

• Flight instruction

• An FAA knowledge test

• Practical test expenses

• A larger portion of a student’s complete private pilot training

Whether you make a one-time contribution, provide recurring support, or sponsor a major part of a student’s training, your donation can help create an opportunity that may not otherwise exist.

Interested in the Program?

The Future Aviator Fund’s student application and selection process is currently being developed.

Students and parents can join the interest list to receive information about:

• Free discovery-flight opportunities

• Airport events

• Eligibility requirements

• Application periods

• Flight-training sponsorships

• Aviation career activities

• Volunteer and mentorship opportunities

Frequently asked questions

What is the Future Aviator Fund?

The Future Aviator Fund is a community-funded program presented by Flight Training Falls City. It helps local high school students access aviation experiences and flight training.

What expenses can the fund cover?

Funding may be used for discovery flights, FAA medical expenses, ground training, aircraft rental, flight instruction, pilot supplies, knowledge testing, and practical test expenses.

Will every student receive complete private pilot training?

The amount of support available will depend on community contributions and program funding. Some students may receive a discovery flight or assistance with individual expenses, while selected students may eventually receive more extensive sponsorship.

Do students receive the donation money directly?

No. Funds will be applied directly toward approved aviation training and education expenses.

Does a student need previous aviation experience?

No. The program is intended to help students begin exploring aviation, including those who have never flown in a small airplane.

Is the program only for future airline pilots?

No. Students may pursue many different goals within aviation. The program will begin with flight-training opportunities, but its long-term vision includes maintenance, avionics, airport operations, and other aviation careers.

Who can apply?

The program will primarily serve eligible high school students from Falls City, Richardson County, and the surrounding area. Final requirements will be published before applications open.

When will applications open?

Applications will open after sufficient funding is available and the eligibility and selection process has been finalized.

Can a business sponsor the program?

Yes. Businesses, civic organizations, and community groups may sponsor individual training expenses, student opportunities, or larger portions of the program.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Contributions support the Future Aviator Fund but may not be tax-deductible. Donors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.

Help a Dream Become an Opportunity

A discovery flight can spark an interest.

Education can turn that interest into knowledge.

Training can turn that knowledge into ability.

Community support can turn that ability into a future.

Together, we can give local students the opportunity to experience aviation, develop valuable skills, and work toward earning their wings.

Help a future aviator take flight.

Student Interest Form

Connect

Get in touch for flight training inquiries.

Alex@flighttrainingfallscity.com

(402) 883-0546

Richardson County, Nebraska

© 2025. All rights reserved.