IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area | General Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy, INC.

26 Sep General Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy, INC.

Posted at 12:34h in 2022, Education, Nonprofits by Jae Vogei

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GENERAL DANIEL CHAPPIE JAMES FLIGHT ACADEMY, INC.

OUTFIT NEW FACILITY WITH EQUIPMENT & OTHER FURNISHINGS

Grant Year: 2022 | Focus Area: Education | Grant Amount: $103,820 | Grant Status: In Progress

The General Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy's (GDCJFA) mission is to mentor, motivate, and build confidence in disadvantaged minority youth using aviation as the key learning discipline. GDCJFA was founded by four local Pensacola aviators, honoring namesake General Daniel Chappie James Jr., the first four-star African American Air Force General. GDCJFA’s primary program is a week-long program free of charge to students with both classroom aviation instruction and orientation flights in a small general aviation plane. During COVID, instruction transitioned to virtual classes but returned to in-person classes in 2022. From 1996 until 2017, GDCJFA operations were run out of Pensacola churches and community centers. In 2017, the City of Pensacola and the Community Redevelopment Agency in Pensacola began construction on the Chappie James Memorial Park, including a Flight Academy building. In 2018, GDCJFA moved into a portion of this new building to operate the Flight Academy.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Space has long been an issue limiting the Flight Academy's execution of its mission. The size of the current facility limits the number of students participating in training programs because of safety protocols and the number of computer "flight stations." The City of Pensacola has committed to fund and construct a new building adjacent to the current building, increasing Flight Academy space from 475 to 1,800 square feet. The larger space will allow GDCJFA to more than double the number of students that can be enrolled. Students will also enjoy higher quality, more individualized instruction. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund the items needed to outfit the new building with state-of-the-art computer equipment and peripherals for flight simulator stations, including flight simulator software and anti-virus protection for 24 computers, with installation and ongoing support; 20 computer workstations and chairs; high-definition video wall; smartboard with display stand; 3D printers; and furniture for the office, conference room and lobby. The state-of-the-art computer technology and furnishings will support a next-generation classroom and flight labs.

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

The local community will benefit by having increased educational and vocational opportunities at the Flight Academy for disadvantaged and minority youth. The increased space and workstations will expose more students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teaching disciplines and concepts. The Flight Academy program will complement school system education and provide students with after-school and weekend educational opportunities covering various STEM topics that support aviation, math, and science requirements. The summer camps and classes have five primary areas of focus: Aviation Basics and Aerodynamics; Academic Excellence; Independent Thinking and Decision Making; Presentation and Public Speaking Skills; and Financial Life Skills. Students are mentored in Aviation related careers by learning basic hands-on training on aircraft, including maintenance, servicing, and flight patterns and rules. Interest in Aviation related careers is expected to grow by 10%. The focus on General James’ historical significance provides minority youth a role model who inspires confidence and pride.