Scholarships help local students learn to fly

June 21, 2006

Airplane rides were offered to the community by the Petaluma Area Pilots Association on June 17 for the annual "Penny-a-Pound" event that offers 15-minute scenic flights around Petaluma.

A contribution of $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, along with a "penny-a-pound" to cover fuel costs allowed for the association's pilots to contribute their time and aircrafts for the public's enjoyment.

The event was sponsored by the Association in an effort to introduce the public to aviation. The profits will be used for scholarships for local youths.

Two current scholarship recipients are learning to fly at the Petaluma Airport. They are Brian Serbent, a junior at Petaluma High School with aspirations to become a Navy pilot, and Inigo Markel-Allen, a senior at Pine Mountain Academy who works at Aeroventure Flight School at the airport.

For information about the pilots association and its scholarship program, call 778-4404.