Hello, my name is Suzanne Richardson, and aviation is my passion! I’m a young student pilot pursuing my private certificate as the first of many certificates to come. Growing up in the wonderful community of Sandpoint, I have always had a great awe and wonder for beautiful skies. Flying in the awesome air above stirs up pure joy from the depth of my very being, and this delight inspires the high desire to become an excellent, safe pilot. As the first-ever aviator in my family history, the happiness that flying elevates from within is a deep well-spring from my heart and soul. I’m extremely grateful for the generosity of the Idaho Aviation Association in giving wings to my aviation dream. This truly is an incredible blessing that allows me to continue my flight training. This amazing opportunity to receive your support means the world and the skies to me!

Right now, I’m studying to pass the written knowledge exam this spring, and then continuing to take to the skies as I prepare for the private pilot check ride. After attaining my private pilot, I plan to continue learning and training towards earning my instrument, commercial, and eventually instructor certifications as I hope to inspire future pilots just as I’ve received wonderful encouragement and selfless giving from instructors. Aspiring to further heights, I would love the privilege of serving people both nationally and internationally through airlifting those in medical need as well as missions overseas. After witnessing many life-changing operations via Air Ambulance, one of my goals is to help people in the same capacity with aviation. I love how aviating fulfills both deep satisfaction of taking to the skies and also serving people in a marvelous way.

Thank you, IAA, for making dreams possible for this country lass! With your kind support, I have the practical necessities met to aim high in attaining my dreams. Moreover, simply receiving the honor of this scholarship encourages me that all things truly are possible when one believes, works hard, and lets the inner passionate spark carry through all the way! I’m incredibly thankful to the IAA community. This changes my life in providing the necessary finances to fly upwards and onwards. I hope to pay it forward one day, and in the meantime bring pride and joy to everyone who has helped. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

It’s a special thing to know that there are folks out there who believe in me and what I’m trying to accomplish within the field of aviation. By its nature, flying is a privilege that not many are suited for or able to afford, and it can be quite a daunting task just to fire up the helicopter and choose to take off. It feels even more serious knowing that one day soon I’ll be accountable for more lives than just my own. Your support of my endeavors means more than you know and will go a long way in helping me to finish my commercial license and begin training to instruct.

Because this is such an expensive undertaking, right now I am preparing to work one last season on a wildland fire crew to set aside funds for this fall, when I’ll pick back up where I left off. This year I’ll be working on a helicopter rappel crew for the first time. The physical standards are high so I’ve been balancing my flight training with a lot of exercise this winter, but the job promises a greater deal of individual responsibility and, of course, the chance to be aerially delivered by Bell 205s to some of the remotest fires in the American West. I’ll also be working closely with highly skilled pilots and see this as an opportunity to learn exactly what kind of fire aviation role I want to fill in the future, whether that’s flying short-haul, rappel, or something else.

In high school, I watched a Ted Talk by a National Geographic photographer about the culture, history, and poverty on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This spurred a passionate interest in photojournalism, which I studied at Western Kentucky University, and I ultimately did win a worldwide competition that secured an internship at Nat Geo. For this, I was sent on an unfortunately unsuccessful expedition to the South Pacific to locate Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra.

Soon after that trip, the pandemic hit and I decided to pivot into a wildland fire job. I eventually made it onto a hotshot crew in Northern California where we were constantly being supported by aerial resources and occasionally flown out in Bell mediums. That’s when I knew I wanted to fly and that seasonal fire work could help me afford it. I started my training a little over a year ago and finished my PPL(H) last April in 46 hours. Last week I completed my Instrument Rating and will continue to fly until I leave for my first season on a helicopter rappel crew next month.

In summation, I couldn’t be more grateful for your support or more excited for what the next few years have in store for my flying career. Thank you to you all at the IAA for helping to make this crazy dream a reality. My ten-year-old self would be blown away!

My name is Rachel Skirvin, and I am a passionate and aspiring pilot born and raised in the beautiful landscapes of the PNW. From an early age, I developed a deep fascination with aviation, a love that has grown stronger with each passing day. Now, as a recipient of this scholarship, I have the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality.

My journey in aviation began with obtaining my private pilot’s license (2021), followed by my instrument rating (2022) then onto my commercial pilot’s license (2023). However, I have always seen these milestones as stepping stones toward a greater goal: becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII).

With the generous support of this scholarship, I am now closer than ever to achieving this dream. I am currently undergoing rigorous training to become a CFI and CFII, where I will not only enhance my own skills but also share my knowledge and passion for aviation with aspiring pilots. My ultimate goal is to mentor and guide the next generation of aviators, ensuring they have the best training and knowledge to navigate the skies safely and professionally.

I am deeply committed to giving back to the aviation community that has shaped my journey. This scholarship is not just a financial aid; it is a vote of confidence in my dedication to the aviation industry. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and to have a lasting impact on the aviation community in Idaho and beyond.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the IAA for their unwavering support. This scholarship has not only lightened my financial burden but also inspired me to work harder and strive for excellence in my aviation career. I am excited about the future and the contributions I can make to the aviation community, thanks to the support of this exceptional organization.

I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on my aviation journey. I am proud to be a part of the Idaho Aviation Association family and am committed to upholding the values of safety, professionalism, and passion that define our aviation community. Together, we will soar to new heights and continue to inspire the love of flight in others.

Richard Jordan Lee Damron was born 1/24/91 in Tacoma, Washington to the parents of Kenneth and Joan Damron. During his pre-school years he was considered quiet and very well-liked by all. Jordan was always an excellent student throughout his academic career, and as a second grader was recognized for his leadership and voted President of his class. He was always considered polite, quiet and dependable and led by example.

The family moved to Orofino Idaho in March of 2002 when Jordan was in the 6th grade. While in Orofino he continued his academic excellence up until his graduation in 2009. In high school he was a member of both track and soccer, and he was also recognized as a National Honor Student. After graduation he was awarded a full scholarship from ROTC Army to attend the University of Idaho. As a ROTC student he completed his four years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies with his GPA averaging 3.4.

As a senior at U of I he was chosen by the ROTC commander to be the Battalion Commander of his ROTC unit. Jordan will be starting his Army career in December, 2013 at Ft. Benning, Georgia. His chosen field will be Armor after which he will then attend Airborne and Air Assault. He wishes still to procure his private flying license while he is in the Army.

Dylan Christopher Filkins was born on December 19,1995 in Fontana, California to the parents of David and Susan Filkins, and shortly his family moved to Boise, Idaho, where they reside still. When Dylan was just a boy, he accompanied his mother to the Boise State University Science department where she worked in biology. There, he was introduced to science concepts which fueled his interest in becoming a scientist. Dylan also acquired a love for the outdoors while he participated in a local Boy Scout troop. During these years, Dylan earned a badge in Aerospace Studies, which sparked a passion for the subject. Pursuing this newfound interest, he enrolled in the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program which consisted of a semester-long class and a week long camp at Boise State University, followed by a trip to San Jose, California to the NASA Ames Research Center. Dylan is an intern at T-O Engineers, a local civil engineering business, where he assists with plans for bridges, airports and roads. Dylan plans to go to Utah State University to study Aerospace Engineering and become an officer in the Air Force ROTC.

Currently, I am a senior at Sandpoint High School, and I will be graduating on June 10, 2016. My family moved to Sandpoint eight years ago, and I love living in such an amazing environment where I can take advantage of everything the area has to offer. I am an avid skier and enjoy hiking fishing, boating, photography and flying. I have had to find a balance between academics and activities, and I clearly see my highest priority right now is striving for a career in aviation.

My grandpa, Lloyd, was a pilot in WWII, and then he became a bush pilot in Alaska because he loved flying so much. I must have inherited his passion for planes and flight! I am currently taking Career Pathways: Aerospace and Private Pilot Ground School, which are classes at Sandpoint High School that are part of an accredited aerospace program. By doing this, it allows me to get flight training and earn high school credits. In the fall of 2016 I will be attending college at North Idaho College and majoring in aerospace to earn an airframe certification. Then, I plan to continue my education and earn a power plant certification, as well as an Associate of Applied Science.

As a full-time student, it is very challenging to come up with the funds to pay for flight time and instruction. This scholarship is making it possible for me to accomplish my dream of becoming a pilot, and it will also give me extra insight and a better understanding of planes and flight in my college classes next year. I am very grateful, and when I am able, I plan to give back by helping other aviation students who find themselves in the same position as I am now.

Ktrina has had the love of flight her whole life.  She’s a 1995 graduate of Buhl High School and spent a semester abroad in Germany while attending BSU.  She earned her A&P Mechanic certificates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach in 2001.  Married 20 years, she & her husband have a beautiful daughter, who will be a Senior at Renaissance High School.  Ktrina also volunteers for the IAA & IAF. 

My name is Matt Rose and I am extremely grateful to have received the IAA Scholarship. This scholarship will play a key role in starting off my career in aviation. I am honored to have been chosen to receive this scholarship.

I have been interested in aviation for years now and have soloed while working on my private pilot license. I am 20 years of age and attending Treasure Valley Community College as well as firefighting for PatRick Environmental and working for Valley Air during the summer. This scholarship is going to help me pursue aviation as a career.

After I complete my private pilot license I would like to get my instrument and commercial ratings. I plan on using this scholarship to fly as an aerial applicator and fly fire planes continuing my career to flying larger aircraft. Of course, this scholarship will also help me to accomplish my dream of visiting all of the backcountry airstrips of the northwest, and help fight to preserve them for future pilots. Flying is an expensive endeavor but the many rewards that it produces outweigh the cost.

I have always been fascinated by people who went out and got their pilot’s licenses.  I have an older brother that started a private rating and a good family friend that had airplanes on his childhood bedroom wallpaper and went on to work for Alaska Airlines today.  For me, I think like many after that first discovery flight you get hooked, I was intrigued and I love to learn new things, I love to have some skillset to be working on.  I have the private and commercial ratings done and will use the IAA/IAF scholarship to assist in my instrument rating.  My favorite thing in life is being a mom to my son and showing him it is fun to get out and go do things-flying is a perfect example of that.  Thank you IAA for assisting me and others in flight training what a great organization to have here in Idaho.

Hi, my name is Jordan Nieters, I’m 26 years old, and am originally from a little town called Foley, MN. My family moved to Bozeman, MT in 2008 to chase the snow. Our family has always been big into snowmobiling so that’s what brought us to the mountains. Over the last 10 years I worked as a heavy equipment operator for a local construction company. I was able to work in the summer and enjoy my snowmobiles in the winter months. I never thought I would catch the aviation bug being no one in my family has been involved in the industry, but I got hooked after my first flight. After that, it was a matter of figuring out how I could pursue this dream of becoming a helicopter pilot, and it took me about two years to figure it all out.

I moved down to Idaho primarily to attend Silverhawk Aviation’s Helicopter Pilot Program. I have always loved seeing helicopters come into land or fly by. Whatever the case may have been, I had to drop what I was doing and look up. After my intro flight I spent a handful of money out of pocket training at a local flight school in Bozeman. But after about two months, I needed a new plan as I was running out of money fast. I found Silverhawk and planned for the move for a little over a year where I am able to finance flight training and get it done in a timely manner. I have earned my Private Pilot License and I am currently prepping for my Instrument Check Ride, and then will be going on to my Commercial Training.

I am extremely grateful for the scholarship as it will help fund some of the remainder of flight school. As most students know, financials are the most important aspect to consider when deciding to go to school full time, especially aviation. Thank you, Idaho Aviation Association, for this opportunity and help as I continue to chase the dream of becoming a Helicopter Pilot.

Lauren grew up in Iowa and is now excited to call Idaho home. She received a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education from the University of Iowa. Backcountry guiding and teaching took Lauren from coast to coast. She worked as an Environmental Education teacher for the University of Rhode Island, as the Education Coordinator for a non-profit in Nevada, and as a river guide in Arizona, Colorado, and California.

Guiding also brought Lauren to Idaho. One trip into the Frank Church and she decided that Idaho was a great place to live and work. She has had the privilege to work on the Salmon and Snake Rivers and explore some of Idaho’s incredible wild spaces. Getting into the wilderness is also what motivated Lauren to pursue flight training. Lauren is working on her private pilot’s certification in Lewiston where she lives full time and can’t wait to be the pilot of the backcountry planes instead of the passenger.

“Hello! Tanner Pfeil here, I am a 28 year old Boise State graduate and recently decided it was time for a change in careers. I started flight school last year and earned my Private Pilot License in my time before or after my full time work day. I love to be outside, skiing, hiking, camping, and now FLYING! I am so very grateful for this opportunity the IAA has given me, and cannot wait to put this scholarship towards my next rating. One step closer!”

Thank you so much, Tanner