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From the Army to the Skies: Olivia is Changing the Face of Aviation

As a St. Pete native, Olivia’s journey from being an Army intelligence systems maintainer and advisor to a flight instructor at St. Pete Air is nothing short of extraordinary. Serving in the Army from 2016 to 2021, she found herself in diverse locales – from Georgia, Texas, and Arizona to the vibrant cultures of Europe and South America. Her time at the embassy in Bogota, teaching intelligence officers how to enhance counter-narcotics efforts, wasn’t just a job; it was an incredible journey of cultural immersion and learning.

In the dynamic world of aviation, community airports like Albert Whitted Airport play a pivotal role that goes far beyond their physical footprint. These airports are not just transit points; they are gateways to the entire aviation industry, nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals and enthusiasts.

One of the most critical topics in the world of aviation is the burgeoning need for pilots in the United States. As we navigate the clear blue, it’s becoming increasingly evident that the sky is not just a realm of freedom and adventure but also a domain of growing career opportunities.

On Feb. 10, Friends of Albert Whitted Airport awarded $166,000 in flight training scholarships to 30 individuals in St. Petersburg, aged 16-24, aiming to support students who face barriers in accessing aviation training. The scholarships are designed to open a local pathway to aviation careers, particularly for those from historically underrepresented groups such as women and minorities.

Albert Whitted Airport, a hub of aviation enthusiasm and home to the vibrant EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles Chapter 1602, plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of aviators. At its heart is Chris Gregory, a dedicated aviation professional and the current chapter president, who found his own passion for flying ignited at this very airport. 

At Albert Whitted Airport (AWA), the excitement of aviation and the wonders of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education come together. With its rich aviation history and bustling activity, AWA serves as a perfect backdrop for introducing children to the marvels of flight, the principles of STEAM, and a holistic approach to learning that fosters innovation and creativity. This combination is not just about learning to fly; it’s about inspiring young minds through the multidisciplinary world of aviation.Read More

St. Pete Air serves as the comprehensive hub for all aspects of general aviation at Albert Whitted Airport. Established a decade ago by local pilots Bill Auer and Blake Reischmann, the facility provides a range of services, including flight training, aircraft rentals and sales, avionics installation and repairs, and aircraft maintenance.

St. Pete is poised for an 8^th mural district at Albert Whitted Airport

St. Petersburg’s one-of-a-kind downtown waterfront got even more unique with the unveiling of the first two hangar murals at Albert Whitted Airport (AWA). 

The journey to becoming a pilot is an exhilarating and rewarding endeavor. Friends of Albert Whitted Airport is passionate about fostering the next generation of aviators. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the essential steps and milestones on the path to earning your wings and becoming a pilot.