Georgia Air Challenge Set for July

The Atlanta Aero Club has launched Georgia Air Challenge, which encourages all pilots in the Georgia to take to the skies during July and help stimulate an aviation economic recovery.

According to Atlanta Aero Club President Steve Champness, the challenge consists of a pilot flying at least three hours during the month of July and visiting at least three of Georgia’s 104 airports. To qualify for prizes, Champness said pilots must first register online at www.georgiaairchallenge.com before flying the required minimum hours.

The challenge is open to all pilots flying in Georgia including any FAA licensed pilot or student pilot flying a plane, glider, rotorcraft or balloon on any non-commercial flight. Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) flying with students are also eligible.

For their efforts, pilots who participate in the challenge will be eligible to win valuable prizes including a multi-engine pilot rating valued at $3,000 which is being donated by Airline Transport Professionals. Other prizes include 50 gallons of fuel donated by Atlantic Aviation, a set of aviation tires donated by Michelin and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating in lieu of the multi-engine rating.

The Atlanta Aero Club developed the Georgia Air Challenge in partnership with the Georgia Airports Association, the Center for Innovation Aerospace, and Georgia Department of Economic Development—Tourism. Their joint call to action is “let’s go flying again!”

“Georgia has a great aviation heritage and is home to many aviation related companies including aircraft manufactures, airlines and fixed base operations (FBOs),” said former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue “Many in our state rely of aviation for employment and this challenge helps recognize their efforts while stimulating the economy in this important business sector. I highly endorse this challenge and encourage all our registered pilots and student pilots in the great state of Georgia to participate.”

As a result of the Atlanta Aero Clubs efforts, other states have adopted similar programs including Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland. The winners of the Georgia Air Challenge will be announced August 15, 2011.