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Every year on December 17th, we pause to honor the incredible legacy of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the visionaries who turned the dream of powered flight into reality. Known as Wright Brothers Day, this special occasion commemorates their historic achievement on December 17, 1903, when they completed the world’s first controlled, powered, and sustained heavier-than-air flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  

For kids who light up at the sight of a plane soaring overhead or dream of being in the cockpit, there’s no gift quite like the chance to be part of the world of aviation. This holiday season, you can inspire their passion for flight while supporting a meaningful cause with the Ground Crew Trainee Membership, offered by the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA).  

As we enter the season of giving, we’re reaching out to ask for your support in a cause that truly makes a difference. The Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has set an ambitious goal of raising $175,000 to fund scholarships for aspiring aviation professionals. With your help, we can provide life-changing opportunities for future pilots—and, for the first time ever, we’re thrilled to announce two additional scholarships for aspiring airplane mechanics!

November marks National Aviation History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible achievements and innovations in aviation that have transformed our world. At Albert Whitted Airport, we are proud to honor our aviation heritage, the visionaries and pioneers who’ve pushed the limits of flight, and the thriving aviation community that continues to shape the future of the skies.

Aviation is at a critical juncture. As the industry continues to grow, the demand for pilots is reaching unprecedented levels. Yet, despite the clear need for more aviators, there is a looming pilot shortage that threatens to disrupt not just the commercial airline industry but also the broader aviation ecosystem, including smaller airports and general aviation. Understanding why we need more pilots and how communities, airports, and organizations like the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) can help is essential to safeguarding the future of aviation.

As we track the quickly developing storm in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is bracing for impact this week. Once again, the businesses and teams at Albert Whitted Airport are preparing to support residents and local authorities before, during and after the storm – a reminder of the critical role AWA plays during Florida’s volatile storm season. Read More

In the high-flying world of aviation, diversity has long been a challenge. For decades, aspiring aviators from underrepresented communities have found the career path to the cockpit filled with barriers. However, there is a growing movement to change that narrative, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the availability of scholarships. These scholarships are not just financial aid but gateways to a more inclusive and diverse aviation industry.

Welcome aboard! Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for takeoff as we dive into the fascinating – and sometimes amusing – world of pilot lingo. Pilots have a unique way of communicating, not just with each other, but also with air traffic control and even the passengers. 

Here are some fun phrases pilots use that you might not know about!