Kentucky’s aviation and aerospace industry is soaring – but it faces a critical challenge. An aging workforce, rising demand, and limited access to training pipelines threaten one of the Commonwealth’s most vital economic sectors. DreamFlight Charities believes this challenge also represents a generational opportunity.
Through a bold new initiative under the Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund (AERO Act), DreamFlight Charities is launching a $500,000 fundraising campaign designed to unlock $1 million in total impact through dollar-for-dollar state matching funds. The goal: establish scalable, sustainable aviation education pathways serving Shelby County, Franklin County, and surrounding districts, all while preparing a scalable strategy that will ultimately prepare students across Kentucky for high-demand aviation careers.
Why Aviation - and Why Now?
Aviation is Kentucky’s largest export industry, generating nearly $19 billion annually and supporting more than 23,000 jobs statewide. Yet employers across the Commonwealth face persistent shortages in three critical areas:
- Commercial Pilots
- Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/Drone) Operators
Without deliberate investment, these shortages threaten economic growth, logistics capacities, defense readiness, and regional connectivity.
DreamFlight Charities exists to address this exact problem: removing barriers, increasing visibility, and building clear pathways into aviation careers – especially for students who might never otherwise see a career in aviation as attainable.
Leveraging the AERO Actfor Maximum Impact
The AERO Act was created in an effort to strengthen Kentucky’s aviation workforce by encouraging public-private partnerships. Under the program, private dollars raised by organizations like DreamFlight Charities are matched dollar-for-dollar by the state, doubling the impact of every contribution.
DreamFlight’s proposal commits to raising an initial $500,000, which – once matched – will create $1,000,000 in direct scholarships and training support in Year One alone.
These funds will be deposited into the AERO Act fund and distributed strictly according to state guidelines, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term workforce returns
A Regional Aviation Pipeline Centeredin Shelby & Franklin Counties
At the heart of this initiative is a regional aviation education hub, anchored by Shelby County but intentionally designed to serve surrounding counties, including Franklin County and beyond.
Key partners include:
- Shelby County Public Schools – Serving as the vanguard for high school aviation STEM education using the AOPA High School Aviation STEM curriculum.
- Jefferson Community & Technical College (Shelby County Campus) – Delivering FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic training.
- Wings Flight Enterprises – A Part 141 flight school providing accelerate commercial pilot training tracks.
- DreamFlight Charities – Acting as the aviation industry partner, scholarship grantor, and program coordinator.
This collaborative structure allows students from multiple districts to participate without requiring each school system to build its own aviation program from scratch.
Three Career Tracks,One Unified Vision
The initiative focuses on three FAA-recognized credentials, each aligned with documented workforce demand:
Commercial Pilot
Students progress from zero flight time to Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor ratings through an FAA-approved accelerated curriculum. Graduates are positioned for employment with Kentucky flight schools, charter operators, and eventually airlines.
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
Through Jefferson Community & Technical College, students earn FAA A&P certification – opening doors to careers in airline maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, cargo operations, and defense aviation.
UAS/Drone Pilot (Part 107)
DreamFlight Charities will lead Part 107 training using AOPA curriculum and hands-on drone equipment, preparing students for emerging roles in agriculture, infrastructure, inspection, surveying, and logistics.
Removing Financial Barriersfor Kentucky Students
Aviation training is notoriously expensive. Without intervention, talented students – especially those from rural or economically challenged backgrounds – are often excluded.
DreamFlight’s AERO Act scholarships are designed to cover:
- Tuition and instructional fees
- Flight hours and simulator time
- Training materials, tools, and exam costs
- Drone equipment for UAS students
Priority is given to Kentucky residents, with an emphasis on financial need, aptitude, and commitment to working in Kentucky’s aviation industry following graduation.
A Fundraising PlanRooted in Community
To reach the $500,000 goal, DreamFlight Charities is deploying a diversified fundraising strategy, including:
- Online giving campaigns and donor outreach
- Our annual Run the Runway 5k
- Plan Pull Challenge
- Spirit of Kentucky Air Race
- Aviation gala dinners and other community events
Each dollar raised is deposited into the AERO Act fund and matched by the state – effectively doubling every gift’s impact on Kentucky students and employers.
Long-Term ImpactBeyond the Cockpit
While the immediate focus is training, the long-term outcomes are transformative. At maturity, the program is projected to:
- Scale from 50-75 students annually to 500+ per year
- Produce more than 3,000 credentialed aviation professionals over 10 years
- Generate $3-$3.75 billion in cumulative economic impact
- Strengthen Kentucky’s talent pipeline while keeping graduates working in-state
Just as importantly, these programs cultivate discipline, responsibility, technical skill, and confidence – qualities that benefit students whether they remain in aviation or carry those skills into other industries.
DreamFlight Charities believes the sky should not be a barrier – it should be an invitation.
By raising $500,000 and unlocking matching AERO Act funds, we can ensure that students in Shelby County, Franklin County, and surrounding communities have access to world-class aviation education and clear pathways into meaningful careers.
This is more than workforce development. It’s economic development. It’s student development. And it’s Kentucky’s future – taking flight.
To learn how you or your organization can support this initiative, visit our campaign portal here, or contact our team directly.