CP Aviation Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship in Memory of Vicki Cruse
Rachel Meitler IAC 441764 is a full time student pursing a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Flight with a Commercial Concentration at California Baptist University. She is a Private Pilot with an Instrument Rating and a total of 175 flight hours.
"In August of 2019, I was hooked on aviation after taking my first introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. I quickly became involved in multiple aviation organizations and began flight lessons in February of 2020," Rachel said in her scholarship application. "From the moment I began my flight training I dreamed of doing aerobatics! As many mentors have encouraged me, every flight is a new learning opportunity and obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate (PPC) was simply a license to learn. The thrill and joy of constantly learning, trying new maneuvers, flying new planes, and pushing myself to grow as a pilot are reasons I am passionate about aviation and flying. Handling upsets, spins, and aerobatic maneuvers will equip me to be a more competent pilot if an emergency should occur. This scholarship will give me the amazing opportunity to enjoy the thrill of aerobatics and become a more skilled and safer pilot."
"I never believed being a pilot was possible. With the support of awesome mentors, organizations such as Aviation Explorers, 99s, and EAA, and amazing scholarships, I am where I am today. I will continue to “pay-it-forward” by relentlessly encouraging others to fulfill their aviation dreams, not letting financial challenges deter them, including the pursuit of fun growth opportunities like aerobatics and EMT!"
Greg Koontz Airshows Aerobatic Instructor Scholarship in Memory of Bobby Younkin
William (Bill) Lee Chouinard IAC 434758 is a full-time Flight Nurse with AirEvac Lifeteam and owner/operator of Wild Blue Adventure Company. He has a flight time consisting of; 1100 hours of tailwheel, 400 hours giving Stearman Rides and 296 hours dual given in a 1946 Aeronca Champ.
"This year’s recipient is not the usual young starving applicant but is someone who is working hard at a new and struggling aviation business. He clearly demonstrates the desire to be an aerobatic instructor and the high probability of actually doing it," Greg Koontz said.
Bill Chouinard has flown in one capacity or another for as long as he can remember. His father was a pilot and would make log book entries with “Billy” listed as co-pilot when he was too short to reach the pedals in the family plane. As an adult, Bill has followed his dreams of flight in multiple disciplines including: BASE jumping and flying antique aircraft for over 20 years. In addition to a commercial license, love for aerobatics, and flying legacy aircrafts, Bill is a CPL, CFI, CFII, and is excited to talk to pilots about the unique opportunities for tailwheel and aerobatic training.
Emerson Beinhauer IAC 441664 is currently enrolled at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a commercial pilot and flight instructor. He's been working at CU Boulder Flight Operations department as an Airworthiness representative and flight examiner. He has 681+ total flight hours.
"My favorite thing to do in aviation is to give rides and or give back to this community which has given me so much. To date I have given over 100 rides to people interested in aviation and it is one of the best feelings when you get to see the look on someone’s face after experiencing something they have never done before. While this is especially true for “normal” flights its even more exciting for aerobatic flights. This may also be because it allows even pilots, with aviation experience, to see a whole new regime of flight. Sharing these experiences with pilots may even be more important as if done correctly you could introduce the pilot to not only the enjoyment of aerobatics but also encourage them to pursue upset recovery training. "
Emerson plans to use the training from the scholarship to become an aerobatic instructor. "I’ve fallen in love with aerobatics and the community. I just completed my second IAC competition and hope to do *4 more before the end of the season," Emerson said.
*Emerson recently competed at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships in the Sportsman category finishing 7th out of 20 competitors.
Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients! Information on upcoming scholarships can be found online at: https://www.iac.org/scholarships
