OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 1, 2022) – A scholarship was recently established in honor of Senator Jim Inhofe’s many contributions to aviation throughout his lengthy career, and your donations can help the dreams of young, aspiring pilots take flight.
Several Oklahoma students who are enrolled in the AOPA Foundation’s “You Can Fly” STEM curriculum will receive a $250 award from the Senator James M. Inhofe FAA Knowledge Test Scholarship. The award covers the testing fee for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Exam, transportation to a Federal Aviation Administration-approved knowledge testing center and additional preparation materials.
“I’m very grateful and humbled to be the namesake of the Senator James M. Inhofe FAA Knowledge Test Scholarship,” Inhofe said. “This scholarship is a testament to my priorities as a pilot—ensuring the next generation of pilots have the resources they need to take to the skies. It has been an honor to have been a voice for pilots in Washington while working with AOPA to address the needs of pilots and the entire general aviation community. From the Pilots Bill of Rights 1 and 2 and the Volunteer Pilot Protection Act, and fighting against the privatization of air traffic control while fighting for aviation workforce development, we have gotten a lot done helping young people reach their dreams of becoming a pilot.”
Inhofe told the Oklahoma Historical Society that he was fascinated with aviation as a young man; he often visited airports to see planes take flight. He earned his pilot’s license at age 28. His fascination became an enduring passion, and he has flown his aircraft across the world. As a U.S. Senator, Inhofe championed the rights of pilots. He introduced both the Hoover Bill in 1999 and the Pilot’s Bill of Rights in 2011.
The Hoover Bill enabled FAA certificate holders to appeal an emergency revocation’s immediate nature to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Pilot’s Bill of Rights ensured greater fairness in FAA enforcement proceedings and NTSB reviews, giving pilots greater access to information needed to defend themselves during enforcement proceedings. Both pieces of legislation were signed into law.
“Senator Inhofe has played such a vital role in government and aviation for decades. He is a true Oklahoma icon. We hope this scholarship will help many students in Oklahoma achieve this milestone in their pursuit of a private pilot or remote pilot certification,” said Chad Warmington, President and CEO of The State Chamber.
The State Chamber of Oklahoma encourages our members and fellow Oklahomans to donate to the scholarship and help young, aspiring aviators achieve their dream of flight.
HOW TO DONATE:
Use this link: AOPA Foundation Donation – In Honor
Enter Senator James Inhofe in the “In Honor of” field.
Enter R22HSSS in the “Key Code” field.
Complete the remaining contact information and payment information fields, and click “Donate!” to process your gift.
Donations can also be mailed to the following address:
AOPA Foundation
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Scholarship funds will be awarded in May. Students will have 12 months to use the funds to take the Remote Pilot Knowledge Exam.
To learn more about the scholarship or to donate, contact the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association at 1-800-872-2672 or visit www.aopa.org or contact The State Chamber at (405) 839-7225.
