Reston, Virginia
February 6, 2003

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) recently announced a partnership with Cessna Aircraft Company on its AIAA Learn to Fly Scholarships. The scholarships have been established by the AIAA Evolution of Flight Campaign, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The awards recognize the Wright brother's aeronautical achievements by inspiring the next generation of pilots and visionaries.

The AIAA Learn to Fly Scholarships are designed to enable promising students to begin or continue the pursuit of their private pilot license. 50 award winners will receive a $1000 scholarship, which will be administered through a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) in the recipient's local area. In addition to the monetary award, winners will receive a complete Cessna Private Pilot Multimedia Training System from Cessna Aircraft Company. This computer-based system is an integrated system that combines flight-training material with accompanying flight lessons in a sequence designed to provide the best pilot training possible.

The deadline to apply for the scholarships is 31 August 2003. Guidelines and application forms are posted on the AIAA Evolution of Flight web site at http:// www.flight100.org/activities/fly.html. Scholarships will be awarded in December 2003.

The mission of AIAA is to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics. The Institute encourages original research, furthers the dissemination of new knowledge, fosters the professional development of those engaged in scientific and engineering activities, improves public understanding of the profession and its contributions, fosters education in engineering and science, promotes communication among engineers and scientists as well as other professional groups, and stimulates outstanding professional accomplishments.

The mission of the Cessna Pilot Centers is to "promote the growth of flight training and Cessna by establishing the leading network of flight training organizations worldwide that utilize the highest quality flight training methods available." Launched in 1998, and operating in partnership with The Boeing Company, GE Aircraft Engines, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Company, Rockwell Collins and Snecma, AIAA's Evolution of Flight campaign celebrates the legacy of flight and is shaping the next 100 years of aerospace innovation.

For more on the AIAA Learn to Fly Scholarships or AIAA's Evolution of Flight campaign, contact Kimberly Grant (703-264-7531) or visit www.flight100.org. Full media kits are available online.

Contact:

Kimberly Grant
703/264-7531
kimg@aiaa.org

Program updates: www.flight100.org/activities/fly.html