THE MICHAEL V. CRANFORD FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
This aviation flight scholarship exists to honor Michael V. Cranford. Students who apply are encouraged to value patriotism, integrity, selfless service to others, especially young people, and excellence in all they do.
The Michael V Cranford Flight Scholarship is up to $2,500 per year. Student pilots are eligible to apply to help pay for flight training in powered airplanes. Ten hours of flight instruction are required to apply. If a student has the “skill” and “will” to solo as recommended by their flight instructor, then they will be considered for a scholarship.
Scholarship Committee to be made up of members of the Cranford Family and Founder of Falcon AeroLab, Mark Hyatt. To donate to this endowment, checks can also be sent to PO Box 76267 Colorado Springs, CO 80970.
THE CONNIE ENGEL FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
Lt Col Connie Engel began her career in the USAF as a registered nurse in 1971. During her tour at Williams, she trained as an Air Force flight nurse, became an OB/GYN Practitioner, and met and married her husband -- Capt. Rich Engel, a T38 Instructor Pilot.
In 1977, she transferred to the regular AF, becoming one of the first ten women to enter Air Force jet pilot training in a test program to begin training women as Air Force pilots. Lt Col Engel was the class commander of ten women and forty men, and on Sep 8, 1978, Lt Col Engel graduated with the Outstanding Student award, pinning on USAF wings. During the next two decades, Lt Col Engel flew the T38 supersonic jet as an instructor, evaluation, and experimental chase pilot, logging almost 2000 hours in T-38. Stationed with her husband who was a Test Pilot, Lt Col Engel spent most of her career flying at Edwards AFB, CA.
In 2001, Mrs. Engel began flying a Gulfstream II for a Minister in Los Angeles – taking the pastor to multiple locations. Over the next 20 years, she has flown the GII, GIII, GIV, and GV for several different Ministries – to locations worldwide. With over 6000 hours, she continues to actively fly the GIV and GV today.
Lt Col Engel and her husband traveled and spoke extensively for Air Force public relations following her graduation from pilot training, sharing their experiences as one of the first women - and the first married couple, to wear Air Force wings. They always stressed the importance of Air Force Core Values—integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do. Connie and her husband have been married for 50 years, and homeschooled three daughters, all of whom are pilots. They own a Diamond 40 aircraft which they fly for fun. Her husband retired as an AF Major General and worked in the Intelligence Community for 19 years.
THE GENERAL JAMES P MCCARTHY SCHOLARSHIP
James P. McCarthy, born March 7, 1935 in Canton, Ohio, is a retired United States Air Force Four Star General. He was commissioned as an officer in 1957. And was an Air Officer Commanding at the USAFA, CO, where he was responsible for advising and assisting a squadron of cadets in their training. While there, McCarthy established the cadet soaring program and served as its first officer in charge. In 1967, he then began F-4 Phantom fighter training and was assigned as a pilot and operations officer with the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. During his two years there, his squadron was deployed to Osan Air Base, South Korea, during several international incidents. He courageously flew 152 combat missions in the F-4E Phantom II while assigned at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.
After returning to the United States, his assignment included Washington D.C. He then became the Vice Commandant of cadets at the United States Air Force Academy. Part of his responsibilities included directing the Academy's preparation for the initial admission of women in July 1976. He transferred to Blytheville AFB, AK, and then the General was named Commander of the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle AFB, California. From there he returned to Washington D.C. for several positions, transferred to Strategic Air Command SAC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska, then assumed command of 8 th Air Force, Barksdale AFB, LA, and held positions with SAC and at Air Force headquarters. His last assignment was as Deputy Commander in Chief of the United States European Command in 1989.
THE LISA OSTERHELD SCHOLARSHIP
Lisa Linden Osterheld (21 April 1960 – 15 August 2021) of Vienna, Virginia left a legacy of trailblazing courage and strength. Born in San Francisco and raised in Mt. Shasta, California, Lisa attended the United States Air Force (USAF) Academy shortly after they began accepting women and graduated Class of 1983 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Lisa went on to serve in the USAF from 1983-1991, during which time she met her great love and husband, Curt. Lisa’s sense of adventure and thirst for travel dovetailed well with the life of a pilot, and she joined American Airlines in 1991 and flew Boeing 727s, 737s, and rose to be an International First Officer on the beautiful Boeing 777. Beyond her professional life, Lisa was completely devoted to raising her children, Miranda and Clark, and reveled in sharing her passion for travel and exposing them to enriching experiences. Lisa spent many happy hours at the second home she discovered on Lake Anna, Virginia, as a half-built property.
THE JIM STEWARD FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
Jim Steward is the epitome of aviation expertise. Beginning his inspiring journey under the guidance of the first female airline pilot, he's since ascended to become a pilot's pilot, celebrated for his unparalleled flying skills and deep knowledge of aircraft mechanics. As President at Chapter 72 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Jim mentors, encourages, and inspires the next generation of pilots - a passion reflected in his own family, as both his son and grandson wear the pilot's badge.
Beyond the cockpit, Jim's virtues of honesty, respect, and courage ground him. The entrepreneur in him has created and guided not one, but two successful businesses to prominence. Jim's commitment to excellence resonates across all realms, from the blue skies to business boardrooms. Respected and admired at his airport and beyond, Jim Steward is truly an aviation luminary and shining example of success.
THE MACON-CRANFORD MECHANICS SCHOLARSHIP
Frank Macon was an African American World War II veteran and Tuskegee Airman. Born in the early 1920s, he grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Despite facing racial segregation and discrimination, Macon pursued his passion for aviation. He joined the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American military pilots who fought in World War II, breaking racial barriers in the U.S. military. His service and dedication contributed to the eventual desegregation of the Armed Forces. After the war, Macon returned to Colorado Springs, where he continued to inspire future generations through his stories and experiences as a Tuskegee Airman.
THE JIM PAYNE FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
Jim began his aviation journey at the Air Force Academy in 1971, excelling to the point of being named Outstanding Cadet in Soaring in 1974. He flew various aircraft for the Air Force, including the F-4, F-5, and F-16. A pioneer in the Air Force Institute of Technology master’s program, he later contributed significantly to the Soar Eagle Project at the US Air Force Test Pilot School. Payne also made notable contributions to sailplane flight, achieving high-altitude records and pioneering wave speed records with GPS. As an educator, he authored a flight test textbook for the Academy, coached the cross-country soaring team, and managed the US International Soaring team. Post-retirement, Payne consulted for NASA, managed Northrop's Global Hawk program, and now volunteers full-time as Chief Pilot for the Perlan Project, where he developed and leads the test program.
THE ROSIE ROOSEVELT MECHANICS SCHOLARSHIP
As a young child growing up in an aviation focused family, Cynthia (Rosie) Roosevelt has become a pioneer in the aircraft mechanic world. She spent four years in the Navy's most dangerous job as a crew chief, being one of the first three women aboard combat aircraft carriers. Rosie supported combat operations in all types of aircraft during Desert Storm. As a civilian aircraft mechanic, she worked on General Aviation, Executive and Commercial aircraft, as well as EMS helicopters. She has taught for more than 11 years and is now the Program Coordinator for the most successful aircraft mechanics program in Florida at Traviss Technical College for high school students.
