May 2026

Donor Newsletter

Thank you for your generous support and belief in our mission over the years.

Whether you gave recently or supported Flight Club 502 in the past, your generosity has helped us create meaningful opportunities and life-changing experiences for the youth we serve. As this is our very first donor newsletter, we wanted to take a moment to thank every donor who has been part of our journey along the way.

Because of supporters like you, we have been able to accomplish so much, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Flight Club 502 family.

Table of Contents

Click to jump to a section

01 · Member Achievements

01 / Member Achievements

By the Numbers

Jan 1 - May 31, 2026

Eli Lawrence is a commercial pilot.

Daniel Bianco completed his 1st solo.

Other Member Accomplishments

Private Pilot Licenses

Solo

Commercial Licenses

Certified Flight Instructor

Instrument

Learn More

02 / Shawnee Share

A Proud First Year

As the school year wraps up, we want to congratulate the Academy at Shawnee Aviation Program students on an incredible first year learning at Flight Club 502. This was our first year as part of this partnership, and we have truly loved getting to know all 13 of them.

We are so proud to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments this year!

13 Passed FAA Written Exam

2 Student Solos

5 Drone Licenses

2 Co-oping in Maintenance

13 Completed Job Readiness Program

Learn about our Shawnee partnership →

03 / Pathways Corner

Pathways Corner

The Pathways to Progress Program is designed to break down barriers to flying. Pathway students to earn flight credit through volunteer work, including cleaning, organization, and assisting mechanics. In exchange for their time and effort, students gain flight credits.

- Elliott Dalle is a 17 year Pathways student who recently achieved his private pilot license. To date he has over 130 hours under his belt! Click here to read his full story.

- Kyan Wright is both President of the Youth Officers and a Pathways student. He credits the Pathways program not only with giving him access to the sky, but with helping shape him into the leader he always aspired to become. Click here to read his full story.

- For Ky'rik Davis Pathways to Progress was the bridge between wanting to fly and actually doing it. Without it, flight training likely would have remained out of reach. Click here to read his full story.

04 / Fleet Updates

Cleared for Takeoff

This past month saw two new planes join the fleet - a brand-new Cessna 172 (Elmo) and a new DA-20 (Colonel)!

Cessna 172

ELMO

DA-20

COLONEL

05 / Raffle Success

Thunder Eve Raffle

576

Attendees

On April 17th, we hosted our Thunder Eve Raffle, welcoming 576 attendees for an exciting evening that resulted in our second most successful raffle to date. The winner opted to take the cash prize. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support that made this achievement possible, helping to further advance our mission and expand opportunities for the students we serve. We are already looking ahead to our next raffle.

Congratulations to our winners!

First Grand Prize

Cessna 172 or $100,000

Winner: Nathan Jackson

Second Place

$5,000 toward aviation expenses

Winner: Norman L. Bunk Jr.

Third Place

iPad Pro bundle

Winner: Jim Farmer

View more pictures →

06 / Upcoming Events

Events

A look ahead at what is coming up for Flight Club.

May 8

JCPS White Scarf Ceremony - honoring the accomplishments and hard work of our Shawnee students.

May 15

Movie Nights return - a Derby-themed showing of Secretariat.

May 16

Guest Speaker: Dr. David Hiestand - Medical examiner joins us to speak with our members.

June 1

Summer Camp Season begins - kicking off a season of flight, fun, and discovery.

View our full calendar →

From all of us at FC502

Thank you

Thank you for all the support you have granted over the years. Without your continued commitment, the achievement of our mission would not be possible.

You help dreams take flight with your support at Flight Club 502.

Email: info@flightclub502.org

Address: 2911 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205

Phone: 502.208.6809

You are receiving this because you support Flight Club 502.

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