The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation recently raised more than $3.6 million for its You Can Fly program for general aviation. More than 3,800 donors raised $1.8 million, which surpassed the original goal of $1.4 million set by the Ray Foundation. The organization, which was established by pilot and philanthropist James C. Ray, matched the money raised by donors, bringing the total to $3.6 million.
“AOPA Foundation donors are the fuel that powers AOPA programs supporting and growing the pilot community—and they were inspired to rise to a challenge,” said AOPA president and CEO Mark Baker. “The future of general aviation just got brighter.”
As a donor, the Ray Foundation has supported the You Can Fly program since it was launched in 2014. You Can Fly will use the money from donors and the Ray Foundation toward its initiatives, including high school curriculum, flight training, flying clubs, and AOPA's Rusty Pilots program to promote general aviation and build the pilot community.
“We’re excited that so many pilots and aviation enthusiasts believe You Can Fly is worthy of their support and we’ll use this funding to continue the success of the program,” said AOPA senior v-p of aviation strategy and programs Katie Pribyl.