Future Pilots Fund Piper Cherokee Raffle Aircraft Begins Midwest Tour

By Carmelo Turdo

The Future Pilots Fund, a Missouri-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will be conducting their first fund-raising aircraft raffle on September 15, and there are only about two weeks left to get your tickets! Net proceeds from the raffle will go toward scholarships to established aviation education and training programs. The application process will be announced on their website and social media outlets as we get closer to the drawing date.

The raffle aircraft is a low-time Piper Cherokee 160 that has been well maintained and updated with a new interior, Aspen primary flight display, autopilot and Power Flow Exhaust System. It is a great cross-country cruiser and trainer that serves the needs of new or experienced pilots alike. It also has the distinction of being on display at the Future Pilots Fund exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 in July. 

On Monday, the Future Pilots Fund Ambassadors, Alexis Noel and Anthony Tornabene, flew the raffle Cherokee on the first of several scheduled flying tours. They departed Creve Coeur Airport at 9:45 A.M. and arrived at Jefferson City Memorial Airport in central Missouri 45 minutes later. They remained there about an hour and returned to Creve Coeur Airport. In the afternoon, they flew east to Mount Vernon Outland Airport and then to St. louis Regional Airport in East Alton before returning to Creve Coeur Airport. The Aero Experience was there in the morning to wish them well as they began the first leg of their trip, and here we provide a pictorial review of the flight planning, aircraft pre-flight and takeoff for Jefferson City.

Alexis Noel sent back a few photos from the afternoon flight and arrivals at Mount Vernon Outland Airport and St. Louis Regional Airport. We thank our friend, Mount Vernon Outland Airport Manager Chris Collins, for greeting Alexis and Anthony during their visit. 

Spotlight: Alexis Noel, Future Pilots Fund Ambassador

The Future Pilots Fund raffle plane is an absolute joy to fly. It is an excellent cross-country bird and boasts a number of upgrades compared to the typical Piper Cherokee. This tour is so much fun! Especially getting to connect with pilots from around the Midwest and promote this beautiful aircraft. This raffle is a huge deal to Midwest Aviation, and I am so happy to be a Future Pilots Fund Ambassador!

Below is a video highlighting the day's flights.