Gay Pilots Award Aviation Student Scholarships! on GLINN GAY NEWS DISTRIBUTION NEWS ARTICLE 2009

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Gay Pilots Award Aviation Student Scholarships!

Dallas, TX, September 25, 2009 -- The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Education Fund has awarded $9,000 in scholarships in 2009, bringing the total scholarship awards to $102,000 since the Education Fund's inception. The scholarships are available to students pursuing an aviation career as a professional pilot and are merit-based upon criteria established by the NGPA Education Fund.

Factors considered in the award of scholarships include: demonstrated academic ability, financial need and active participation in matters of social justice and betterment of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Scholarships, in the amount of $3,000 each, were awarded this year to:

* Thomas Amidei, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

* Vischal Dhunput, Interair Pty Ltd, Essondon Airport, Victoria Australia

* Christopher Hoss, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

"Particularly during these tough economic times, students face an uphill battle pursuing their dream to fly for a living.

Academic tuition plus the cost of pursuing advanced pilot ratings makes the goal of becoming a professional pilot financially challenging. The NGPA Education Fund is thrilled to support these high-caliber students in this endeavor," said Steve Walker, executive director of the NGPA Education Fund.

NGPA Education Fund board chairman, Tom Little, added, "The NGPA Education Fund remains committed to fostering pilot careers, and we have demonstrated this by awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships since 1998."

For more information on the NGPA Education Fund, visit the NGPA website: http://www.NGPA.org. Follow the "Scholarships" Link on the left side of the home page.

# # # The NGPA Education Fund is a 501c(3) not-for-profit scholarship fund created by the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA).

Since its inception, the NGPA Education Fund has awarded thirty-seven scholarships totaling $102,000 to students pursuing careers as professional pilots. Donations to the NGPA Education Fund may be tax deductible; please check with your tax advisor for your particular tax situation.

The NGPA is a membership organization comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pilots and other aviation enthusiasts from across the United States and eight foreign countries. The NGPA was created as a forum to promote aviation safety, provide an affirming social and professional network for LGBT aviators, encourage the LGBT community to begin piloting careers, and foster equal treatment of LGBT aviators. NGPA sponsors events to provide a venue for social and professional interaction among LGBT aviators and our allies.

Contact: Steve Walker, ExecDir@ngpa.org