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ABOUT

Every day, pilots move our world forward from above.

We all rely on pilots, but they are seldom recognized for the adversity they’ve faced in pursuing their dreams.

Like countless other fields, the aviation industry has struggled to create a more diverse and inclusive culture. It’s hard to believe that in 2023, an incredible 97% of pilots are men, and 85% are white. This has prevented female, minority, and LGBTQ+ pilots from getting the recognition they deserve.

Outstanding Aviators are here to close this massive gap in representation. We spotlight the diverse heroes in the cockpit who fly against the odds and actively encourage others to do the same.

References*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/business/pilots-diversity.html
https://www.zippia.com/airplane-pilot-jobs/demographics/

PRIZE PACKAGE (VALUE $5,000+)

Anonymous – $167 Visa GC

Aircraft Spruce – $75 GC

Beat The Bomb – Team Building for 6 PPL        ($900 Value)

Best Buy – $50 GC

Dave Cowley – Videography ($1,000 Value)

Flying Eyes – Pair Sunglasses ($219 Value)

flyGIRL & flyBOY – $100 Swag

Flying Magazine – 1 Year Sub ($40 Value)

General Aviation News – 2 Year Sub ($50 Value)

G.R. Lively Motorists in Memory of                  Mike “Magoo” Shorley – $83 Visa GC

JSSI – Merch ($130 Value)

Let’s Roam – City Scavenger Hunts ($250 Value)

Microsoft – Professional Software ($500 Value)

MyGoFlight – $200 GC

NGPA – Membership & Expo Pass ($234 Value)

Sporty’s – Learn to Fly Private, Instrument or Commercial ($279 Value)

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo – 2 Tickets ($90 Value)

Pilots To The Rescue – NYC RT Airfare/Hotel for Rescue Flight ($1,500 Value)

TravelSetGo – VIP Membership ($199 Value)

Women in Aviation – Membership ($49 Value)

*More prizes coming soon…

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

  1. Apply online by December 31, 2023.
  2. One applicant in each of the three categories will be selected by our panel in 2024.
  3. Each award recipient will receive the entire prize package above!

ELIGIBILITY

If you’re a female, minority, or LGBTQ+ certified pilot (including student pilots) who has channeled your passion for aviation to make a positive impact in your community, we want to hear from you.

Let’s celebrate your journey and inspire the future generation of aviators!

Applicants

Female

Natalie Kelley

Name
Natalie Kelley
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
  • Female
  • Minority
 
Current Employer
Self
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/flyGIRLKelley/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/flygirlkelley/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@flygirlkelley
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
I try to be an outstanding supporter for those in aviation, especially women. There are many obstacles that women face when breaking into the aviation community and I try to help by being a friend, supporter, and guide. My one-woman operations, flyGIRL LLC, and the non-profit 501(c)(3), the Fly Foundation, Inc. has worked hard over the past seven years to offer products for women in aviation, whose sole purpose is to generate funds for flight training scholarships. I'm very proud to say I have raised enough money through sales and private donators to provide just over $30,000 in flight training scholarships to over six women. Each year there are nearly 300 applicants hoping to be the next scholarship winner. I love being able to help one woman and let them know there is someone who believes in them, and their dreams.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
As a stay-at-home mom to three young men during my flight training, I had to continue to manage the household while going "back to school," after nearly twenty years. It was very difficult for me to go back to learning after being out of a school environment myself AND to keep life as normal as possible for my family. Managing my time and my children's time was very challenging. There were sacrifices made economically, and personally. On top of this shift in our lives, learning was very difficult. As we age, it gets harder to learn. I had to study a lot! That was something I was not prepared for.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
My contribution, I hope and believe, is through the flight training scholarship offerings. flyGIRL offers apparel and some accessories, which women love to wear. However, the heart of what I do and love is changing someone life with financial assistance they would not have otherwise. It is the greatest feeling to be able to offer someone help. I keep a close relationship with each scholarship winner and am always available to offer advice, or connect an individual to someone who may be able to help with a particular question or struggle they may encounter.
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Minority

Gonzalo Zulueta

Name
  Gonzalo Zulueta
Gender Pronouns
  Male
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
 
  • Minority
Current Employer
  Self employeed
Instagram
  https://instagram.com/gonzalozulueta
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
  Im humbled to be considered an "outstanding aviator" While I don't think I am perfect and understand I have a lot to learn, I can guarantee you I give my 200% into being the best pilot I can be. I go above and beyond in any way to further enrich my aviation knowledge.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
  I put piloting aside for many years for personal reasons. Once I made the decision to begin training it went uphill from there. I'm blessed to say it has been a smooth ride. juggling my acting career, my company, social life and fitness life has definitely been a challenge while obtaining my licenses however, it has just made me work harder to fulfill my goals.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
  As an actor, creating content is very important to me. I'm stoaked to be able to create unique content that inspires others to fulfill their aviation dreams. Inspiring aspiring pilots or simply educating and entertaining aviation enthusiasts is truly fulfilling.
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LGBTQ+

Savanna Claiborne

Name
Savanna Claiborne
Gender Pronouns
she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
  • Female
  • LGBTQ+
 
Current Employer
University of North Dakota
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
I moved from the extremely diverse and accepting Southern California to the majority straight white male city of Grand Forks, North Dakota to pursue my passion for flying. In four years and through the pandemic I have gotten the following ratings and endorsements: Private, Commercial, Multiengine, Instrument, CFI, CFII, complex, and spin. I am currently going through the hiring process at the University of North Dakota to start flight instructing. My goal as a flight instructor is to show other LGBTQ+ and women that even though we are not the majority, we too can make our dreams come true through hard work and dedication.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
As a pansexual woman in the aviation industry, throughout my training, I feel as though I have been held to a higher standard than my male counterparts. Ever since my instrument training, it has felt like I cannot make a single mistake for fear of failing. I have quite a bit of experience being asked uncomfortable questions regarding my gender and sexuality while in the flight deck. In a place where learning is supposed to take precedence, I often feel judged based on my gender and sexual orientation instead of my skills as a pilot. I do have hope that once I fly for the airlines this discrimination will be less common as I do currently live in North Dakota.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
As I stated earlier, I am currently in the hiring process with the University of North Dakota. Working as a flight instructor as a masculine presenting LGBTQ+ woman shows my students, my coworkers, and my bosses that a pansexual woman is capable of achieving everything that a straight man can in the aviation industry. I often post pictures on my Instagram of two aspects of my life: aviation and the gay culture that I have immersed myself in. I have also been an active member of NGPA since 2019 and have recruited quite a few new members throughout my years as well as holding an office position in 2020.
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Apply by 12.31.2023

 Ready to step into the spotlight as an Outstanding Aviator? Apply now, share your story, and become a role model for aspiring pilots. 

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Support diversity by sponsoring Outstanding Aviators! Please review this deck and contact:

 

Anna Owens, Marketing Manager

+1 205-522-2556

anna@outstandingaviators.org