Community Service Is Good Business

Teens-In-Flight

Teens-In-Flight is a 501(C)3 foundation formed in 2006 by (Ret.) Marine Col. Jack Howell to support our military’s youth, first responders and “at-risk” teens. Through the modem of aerospace education, Teens-In-Flight opens the doors of opportunity to teens of a parent wounded in action and disabled. Another phase of the program also focuses on selected teens considered “at risk” or financially underserved within our community. In 2016, the program expanded and added teenagers from first responder families who have lost a parent in a line of duty or have had an immobilizing injury.

The Teens-In-Flight program provides select teenagers with a positive aviation experience and allows them to earn a private pilot’s license at no cost. Everyone else is taught at reduced rates. Students have been placed at Stetson University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy, West Point, the U.S. Military Academy and more. It is estimated that more than 150 people have gone through Teens-In-Flight in the last five years. The ratio of males to females is about 5 to 1. There is a multitude of careers in the aviation industry, from pilots, co-pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft and avionics mechanics, airport managers and more.

The program exists with donations from the community, other organizations and grants.

The Teens-In-Flight office is located at 275 Old Moody Blvd., Palm Coast, Florida. Learn more about Teens-In-Flight at www.teensinflight.org, and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/teensinflight. For more information, contact Ric Lehman, executive director, at 386-345-2FLY.