FLAGLER

Senator's visit boosts Teens-in-Flight program

Local nonprofit teaches youth to fly

Danielle Anderson, Correspondent
Talking with students about crosswinds and landings drew a chuckle from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott as he dropped by the offices of the nonprofit Teens-In-Flight program in Flagler County on Friday. [News-Tribune/Danielle Anderson]

PALM COAST — It’s a multifaceted sequence of steps needed to take off or land an airplane and attracting and training talent for the aviation industry’s next generation of pilots is no different.

On Friday, Flagler County-based Teens-In-Flight received a boost when U.S. Sen. Rick Scott dropped by to visit with students, instructors and board members of the aviation nonprofit.

Since the program's inception in 2006, retired U.S. Marine Col. Jack Howell, a Palm Coast city councilman and founder and CEO of Teens-In-Flight, has seen about 200 students come through the program.

What began as a mission to serve the children of military members lost while on active duty by teaching them to fly has evolved into a nationally recognized charitable organization providing youth with an opportunity to earn a private pilot’s license at no cost to them at locations across America.

For Howell, it’s all about the kids.

“This program is really unique because we’re dealing with teens who’ve had a parent or sibling killed on active duty or severely disabled,” he said. “We’re giving them the opportunity to do something they never thought possible and that’s to get a private pilot's license and it doesn’t cost them a cent.”

Howell hoped Scott would see the value in the program that offers structure, discipline and support.

“I think he needs to be aware of what we’re trying to do for these kids, especially the military youngsters who are kind of left on their own and they need help,” said Howell. “At least we’re a program that can help them get focused and directed to a career path. One hundred percent of the kids who have successfully completed our program have gone to college on scholarship.”

Ric Lehmen, executive director of Teens-In-Flight, sees an industry in need of future aviators. While welcoming Scott, Lehmen discussed how the organization can help fill gaps as many experienced pilots reach the mandatory retirement age while student enrollment in aviation programs has declined nationwide.

“Right now in the United States today, 80% of the people that start for a pilot’s license will quit,” said Lehmen. “The biggest reasons are cost, the work it takes and the commitment. We have a pass rate of 84%.”

After listening to Lehmen and Howell during a roundtable discussion and meeting with the students, Scott said he was impressed with the program.

“It’s not only the opportunity to be in the aviation industry but also an opportunity on how to succeed in life,” said Scott. “That’s what’s great about our state. We have wonderful people that do things like this to help others.”

More information about the Teens-on-Flight program is available at teens-in-flight.com.