“We’re proud to have supported aspiring aviators for the past 18 years with the AVTRIP Scholarship,” said Marci Ammerman, vice president of marketing for Avfuel. “Mr. Johnson’s passion for aviation education is in line with Avfuel’s values and the purpose of this award. We were all impressed with his dedication to professional development.”

Now in his second semester, the scholarship will help Johnson curb the expenses of a higher degree from the esteemed institution.

“The best way to contribute to any industry or community is to spend each day offering the best version of yourself to those around you,” said Johnson. “One way to achieve this is through the pursuit of life-long learning. As a professional aviator, and father of four, I’m always looking for ways to improve myself as an asset to corporate aviation and my family. Achieving an MBA-Aviation through Embry-Riddle opens up all kinds of future opportunities. My wife always says, ‘You can never be overdressed, or over educated!’”

In addition to helping his career in corporate aviation, the MBA-Aviation will assist Johnson as an owner of a small-business that specializes in unmanned aerial vehicles, aerial photography and videography. “The classes I’ve attended thus far have been a tremendous help in understanding the challenges I’ve faced as a business owner,” said Johnson. “My favorite subject has been marketing. It’s a fascinating topic and a large component in any business’ plan. Without marketing, there is no business, and a lot of us would be out of a job.”

Johnson hopes to someday apply his knowledge in a teaching role.

“By staying current with my instructor’s license and gaining more degrees, opportunities for me to teach may also arise,” said Johnson. “This will give me the chance to share what I have learned with up and coming aviators looking to become successful pilots.”

As a student, Johnson finds working and meeting with peers from all over the world the most rewarding part of his educational journey. “The classes I’ve been involved in are with groups of people from various countries, including Africa and the Middle East,” said Johnson. “Hearing them share their dreams and goals as aviators has been an eye-opening experience.”

Due to the high caliber of applicants, Avfuel decided to award two additional $500 scholarships for educational endeavors.

Applications for the 2017 AVTRIP Scholarship—due Oct. 1, 2017—will be available via Avfuel’s website on Dec. 1, 2016. Applicants must be current AVTRIP Members (new member enrollments apply), have accrued 250 AVTRIP Points in the previous 24 months, demonstrate an interest in continuing their aviation education, and complete all information in the application packet (Avfuel employees and/or their relatives are not eligible).