NATF Announces Scholarship Recipients

The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) is proud to announce the winners of the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship and Pioneers of Flight Scholarship.

NATF annually awards academic and flight training scholarships to assist outstanding candidates in the pursuit of careers in aviation service businesses.

Matthew Bettmeng, a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, is the recipient of the 2015 Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship. Matthew aspires to be a pilot who serves others by flying in the field of medical transport services. Matthew has already dedicated many hours volunteering in his hometown and abroad, assisting those that are disabled or handicapped. 

Brett Bentley, a student at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of two recipients of the 2015 Pioneers of Flight Scholarship. Brett’s aviation goals include becoming a flight instructor and continuing his flying career as an Alaskan bush pilot. Brett is currently an instrument rated private pilot studying to complete his commercial license in the spring of 2016.

Johnathon Hagen, a student at Kansas State University in Salina, Kansas, is the other recipient of the 2015 Pioneers of Flight Scholarship. Johnathon’s long-term plan is to start his own flight school or charter company. In the meantime, he will continue his education to receive his commercial pilot’s license, intern with Textron Aviation in the summer of 2016 and hopes to stay with the company ultimately as a test pilot. 

“NATA is proud to provide opportunities to help students reach their aviation career paths through the NATF scholarships and student membership programs. This year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate strong potential as our next leaders in the fields of business and general aviation,” stated NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.