At Albert Whitted Airport, aviation programs are doing more than introducing young people to flight. Through Aerospace Day, Discovery Flights, and scholarships, Friends of Albert Whitted Airport is building a pipeline that guides students from their first aviation experience to careers in the industry.
One of the earliest entry points to the world of aviation in our city is Aerospace Day, a program designed for school-aged children. Throughout the day, students hear from astronauts, filmmakers, mechanics, pilots, and aviation professionals.
Aerospace Day plants the seed and steers the way toward more possibilities.
That seed often grows into the next step: the Joe Vulgamore Discovery Flight Program. Joe, a Navy veteran and lifelong aviator, had a passion for sharing the wonders of flight. The Discovery Flight program is open to ages 14 to 22 granting them the experience of their first flight in a small aircraft. For many participants, it’s the first time aviation truly feels attainable.
Barbara Arman is there for it all, serving as FOAWA’s Community Engagement Coordinator. “It’s been an honor going to meet the kids before their first flight,” Barbara shared. “You can see the excitement immediately.”
Discovery flights leave participants with a satisfied taste of what aviation dreams they have. At Albert Whitted Airport, they land with much more. After a discovery flight, soon-to-be aviators are supplied with information packets connecting them to the next opportunities available through FOAWA, including the annual Aerospace Day and the next cycle of aviation scholarships. When students realize there is an actual pathway forward, the excitement quickly turns into motivation. Caleb Kravitz, Mikayla Tehan, and Jenna Martinez – all scholarship recipients – have become flight instructors and now help guide students through aircraft familiarization and the theory of flight before discovery flights.
At least three scholarship recipients have gone on to pilot Joe Vulgamore Discovery flights.
“The recipients have become mentors,” Barbara explained.
FOAWA leadership has intentionally focused on strengthening these connections over time. The goal has always been to create a bridge between programs and opportunities so students can continue moving forward in aviation rather than stopping after a single experience.
The growth has become visible. Attendance continues increasing, with Aerospace Day now reaching nearly 50 students annually and the scholarship opportunities totaling over $630,000 to date.
As one program succeeds, it attracts another. On April 18, a group of 20 scouts visited Albert Whitted Airport to complete their aviation merit badge requirements. Four FOAWA scholarship recipients helped teach the aviation knowledge portion of the program.
This is the long-term vision: a student attends Aerospace Day, completes a Joe Vulgamore Discovery Flight, earns a scholarship, and one day returns to mentor another young person beginning the exact same journey.
Albert Whitted Airport is launching true homegrown aviators.
June 2026
Nisuka Williams