honoring
OUR HERITAGE
building
BRIGHT futureS

SPONSORSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP

A VERY SPECIAL
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS

For SPONSORSHIP information, please contact Dick Holbert at 501.975.9308.

Learn more about our SPONSORS.

meet the aahs 2018 hall of fame inductees

This year the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society will induct four new members into the prestigious Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Gwen Batie Blue

Gwen Ann Weaver was born on November 3, 1946, in Rogers, Arkansas.

Blue became a Private Pilot November 8, 1973. How ironic that on the same day 45 years later she would be inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame! She continued building hours flying.

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Cornelius Robinson Coffey

Cornelius Robinson Coffey was the first African American to establish an aeronautical school in the United States. His school was also the only aviation program not affiliated with a university or college to become part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP).

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Ernest Ambort

Ernest Ambort was born on November 7, 1922, in Little Rock Arkansas. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Force on September 17, 1942, and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and awarded his pilot wings at Williams Field, Arizona, on January 7, 1944.

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Dr. Jerry Robinson

Dr. Jerry Robinson served as a missionary pilot in Brazil, as an instructor for Flight Safety, as a demo pilot for Cessna in the Cessna 441 and 425, and as the Flight Training Supervisor for Cessna Aircraft Company's Air Transport Department.

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2018 AAHS scholarship winners

Jeremiah Coffer is currently attending Ozarka college, working towards an Associate in Science, professional Pilot Degree. Jeremiah plans to obtain his Private Pilot and instrument ratings and go on to pursue a Commercial License. His goal is to work at Ozarka College assisting as a A&P/IA with CFI CFII MEI in the Aviation Department. Jeremiah obtained an A&P through UACCB (Batesville, AR) / FSCJ (Jacksonville, FL)
Ozarka College Scholarship

Brandon Muse is from Mountain View, AR. Brandon is currently working toward an Associate of Science - Professional Pilot degree, as well as an Associate of Applied Science - Commercial Pilot degree. Brandon obtained his Private Pilot License in August of 2018 and is currently pursuing his Instrument Rating. He plans to start the Commercial-Multi Program in Spring 2019. He plans to earn a CFI to build his hours and eventually fly for Fed-Ex.
The David Paul Scholarship

Simeon Sapp gained an interest in aviation thanks to his grandfather, who regularly took him flying. Simeon is a licensed private pilot close to receiving his instrument rating. He will graduate from Ozarka College in May 2019 with an A.A.S. Commercial Pilot degree and an A.S. Professional Pilot degree. Simeon plans to further pursue CFI and CFI - I certificates. He hopes to use his skills on the mission field, delivering medical supplies to remote locations around the world.
Ozarka College Scholarship

Bobby Johnson was born and raised in Hope, Arkansas. He is currently a Jr. Aviation student at Henderson State University with a Private License working toward his instrument rating. Bobby hopes to fly internationally and see the world.
Henderson State University Scholarship

Caleb Huett was born in Mountain Home, Arkansas. His love for aviation began as a hobby with drones and remote controlled craft. He is in his second year at Ozarka College, working toward an AAS degree in Aviation-Commercial Pilot. Caleb is currently working on his instrument rating, and plans to work toward his Commercial Pilot’s license and multi engine rating as well. He is slated to graduate from Ozarka in Spring 2019. His long term goal is to be an ATP and fly for a major airline.
Ozarka College Scholarship

Nathanael Thelen grew up in Briggs, Texas. He currently holds a private pilot certificate, and is working toward his instrument rating, commercial license, and ATP. Nathanael will graduate from Henderson State University in 2020 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Aviation. He plans to fly for a regional airline for several years and then consider major airlines or corporate aviation. He is a proud member of Alpha Eta Rho - Beta Beta fraternity.
Henderson State University Scholarship

Jake Fisher is from Vilonia, Arkansas. He has been fascinated with aircraft as long as he can remember. Jake grew up going to airshows and enjoys watching the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds perform. He is a Junior at Henderson State and plans to join the Air Force after graduation.
The General William Y. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Lexxy Scott became interested in aviation after skydiving with her father after graduating from High School in 2016. She graduated from Ozarka College in May 2018 with an AS - Professional Pilot degree and is currently pursing her Bachelor’s in Aviation as she works toward her Private Pilot’s license and Instrument Rating. She hopes to pursue a career in business aviation and perhaps even fly for the Blue Angels.
Ozarka College Scholarship

Cody Barbry was born and raised in Greenwood, Arkansas. He has always been drawn to aviation and has dreamed of learning to fly since childhood. Currently a Junior at Henderson State University, Cody is an officer for Alpha Eta Rho. He is pursuing a Professional Pilot degree and hopes to someday fly for Delta Airlines.
The Air Methods Scholarship

Cody Gault graduated from Ozarka College with an associate's degree in professional piloting. He is current going through Ozarka's AAS Aviation Commercial Pilot Program, working toward his instrument rating. Cody would like to fly for the Arkansas Forestry Commission and perhaps Fedex in the future.
Ozarka College Scholarship

2018 reception & ceremony

2017 hall OF FAME
INDUCTEES

IN 2017 the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society chose three worthy aviators to induct into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Zane Anderson

Born in Warren, Arkansas in 1948, Zane has been an aviator his entire life. After teaching himself how to fly, Zane has served in multiple capacities: owner, operator, flight instructor, mechanic, Designated Pilot Examiner and mentor to many who desired a career in aviation. Zane is rated in gliders and sea planes as well as hot air balloons. He has been the leading helicopter operator in the state since forming his company, Aerial Patrol, Inc. in 1983. He has flown for hospitals, TV stations, law enforcement and for over thirty years conducted powerlinepatrol and other hazardous operations for Entergy Arkansas.

Harold Johnson

Born in Saline County in 1935, Harold served as Pilot and flight instructor from 1955 to 1965 when he joined Southern Airways as an airline pilot. In 1972, while serving as copilot on a DC-9, his flight was hijacked and after thirty hours and multiple stops ended in Cuba. Although Johnson was wounded by a hijacker, none the passengers were injured. Harold was the founder of the Wings of Honor Museum in Walnut Ridge and has served as President to this day.

General William Smith

Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1925, Smith flew combat missions in Korea - being wounded on his 97th mission. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star for gallantry, General Smith served as Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe (SHAPE) and later Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command. He died on January 19, 2016. His distinguished career is outlined here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year we fund
college scholarships
encouraging young people
to pursue careers in aviation.

our 2017 scholarship winners

Auxilius Ambort

Simeon Sapp

Seth Ambort

Brandon Muse

Zach White

Clay Mosley

We Are Funding Dreams

HOW YOU CAN HELP

2016
AAHS SCHOLARS

Kerrick Hartman is attending Henderson State University and pursuing a Professional Pilot Degree. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, he moved to Arkansas at age 4 and lives in Stuttgart, Arkansas. After developing a fascination with Ag Pilots as a young man, Kerrick fell in love with aviation. He hopes to become an ATP Pilot.

Abigail Shackelford is originally from Smithville, Arkansas, where she lives with her family on a small farm. Currently attending Ozarka College with a major in Aviation Science, Abigail is pursuing an Associate’s of Science degree and her Private Pilot license. After graduation in December, she plans to transfer to The College of Missionary Aviation in Jacksonville, Florida, to train for a future as a missionary pilot, flying supplies to missionaries and charitable organizations in remote areas of the world.

Patrick Jimenez was born and raised in Russellville. He is a senior Aviation major at Henderson State University. Currently a private pilot with an instrument rating, he is working on his commercial license. Patrick serves as the Vice President for the Alpha Eta Rho, fraternity at HSU, and has an 18 month old son named Raiden.

Austin Nufer lives in in Russellville. Long story short, he's been tremendously influenced by Jim Stamps (a 2004 inductee into the Hall of Fame). When Austin learned about programs at Henderson State University offering a four year Professional Pilot Degree he knew that was the place for him. While attending Henderson State University he has gained his Private Pilot, and Instrument ratings. Austin plans to finish his Commercial License and work as a CFI.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Support a student's dream of a career in Aviation:

Each year, the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society seeks out and rewards drive, determination, and ability by selecting scholarship recipients from across the State of Arkansas.

We are growing General Aviation from the Ground Up.

Generous contributions from businesses, families, and citizens who realize the importance of Aviation in contributing to the future growth and success of The Natural State are making the difference.