EAA Sport Aviation - November 2009

www.EAA.org

Harrison Ford EAA Scholarship Launched

Endowment will match up to $100,000 for youth aviation education

September 29 was a huge day for the EAA Young Eagles program: Harrison Ford stepped down after serving five years as the program’s chairman and then announced his successors, famed US Airways pilots Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles. At a special dinner presentation later that evening, EAA members, the aviation community, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to Harrison Ford for his service and welcomed the new program co-chairs. But one brief segment of the evening’s activities, perhaps easily missed amid the big announcements and high-profile appearances, may leave the most enduring legacy.

Jim and Angela Thompson, longtime EAA members and supporters, appeared on the dais for only a few minutes, but their pledge that night will touch the lives of young people for years. The Thompsons announced an endowment to EAA to help fund scholarships in Harrison Ford’s name for young people on the path to becoming a pilot. They explained that the endowment amount would match contributions from other donors up to $100,000, creating a scholarship fund of as much as $200,000.

“As Chairman of EAA Young Eagles for five years, Harrison Ford made a wonderful contribution to the general aviation community,” said Jim Thompson, a 27-year pilot. “By funding this endowment, Angela and I are creating what we hope will be an enduring legacy of Harrison’s

contribution to youth and general aviation. We hope that other supporters will join with us in making the Harrison Ford EAA Scholarship a powerful force in aviation scholarship for our young people.”

Beginning next year, EAA will start applying the dividends from the donations and the Thompsons’ matching contribution. These funds could be used toward the cost of the FAA written pilot’s exam, flight training, attendance at EAA’s Air Academy, and other pursuits including college costs. The purpose is to help youth achieve their dreams of flight at whatever level the need exists. To be eligible, youths will need to complete an EAA Young Eagles flight experience and the follow-up companion program provided by Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the free online Sporty’s Complete Pilot Training Course.

Assuming a 5 percent annual dividend on a $200,000 endowment fund, the Harrison Ford EAA Scholarship will provide $10,000 of scholarship funds each year. EAA also manages similar funds in the names of Ford’s predecessors, Cliff Robertson and Chuck Yeager, and other donors.

Those interested in learning more or supporting the Harrison Ford scholarships should e-mail elines@EAA. org, call 800-236-1025, or visit the web at www.EAA.org/ support/ scholarships.asp.