Willa Brown Aviation Academy details youth programs at Middleton Airport and announces $13,000 scholarship

Susan Schwab, president of the Willa Brown Aviation Academy and a retired Boeing 777 captain, told the Middleton Airport Commission that the nonprofit’s free programs aim to introduce underrepresented youth to aviation through flights, camps and mentorship.

"I have 23,000 hours now of flight time," Schwab said, describing her background and the volunteers who support the academy. She outlined core activities — the Wings to Fly introductory flights, Camp Willa week‑long summer sessions, a Madison Youth Aviation Club and a new scholarship program — and said the organization has run more than 120 kids’ flights over the past five years and expects several summer events.

Schwab said the academy is partnering with local organizations, including Madison-area middle schools and Dane County Human Services, to provide structured two‑day outreach programs in which selected students return for a supervised introductory flight. She also announced a legacy scholarship from the family of a local aviator: a full‑flight Paul Fehey scholarship valued at $13,000 that will be awarded June 1, with additional scholarships planned for fall.

Commissioners and attendees praised the academy’s community reach and volunteer base and encouraged Schwab to present a shortened version of the program to the city council so council members better understand the airport’s community role. Commissioners and staff also noted ongoing needs: volunteer ground support and additional volunteer pilots to support expansion of events and school partnerships.

The commission thanked Schwab and several volunteer pilots on the field for their work; Schwab said she would be glad to present to council and serve as an ambassador for the airport’s community programs.