Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

The I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) is launching its latest initiative, the "Spring into Action" scholarship program, aimed at supporting women in aviation. This campaign, starting May 6 and running until May 24, offers more than $30,000 in flight training scholarships and additional industry resource packages.
Founded with a mission to reduce the gender gap in aviation, IHFF has supported 35 women since 2017 through scholarships that focus not only on financial aid but also on mentoring and coaching. The foundation's holistic approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, consistent effort, and self-advocacy in overcoming the challenges faced by women in this field.
Rachelle Spector, founder of IHFF, highlighted the rigorous nature of flight training and the foundation's role in the professional growth of its scholars. She commented, "Each year we offer multiple themed scholarship opportunities and meet incredible women paving their own way in the aviation space."
The funding for these scholarships involves a collaborative effort with a network of donors, industry partners, and veteran supporters. Among the veteran partners, Sheltair has been actively involved in the selection and engagement processes.
This year's scholarship benefits from the support of longstanding partners such as Gulfstream Aerospace and GAMA, alongside contributions from new supporters. These funds will cover multiple awards, pilot training supplies, and other flight equipment.
In addition to financial support, the campaign aligns with IHFF’s broader initiative, the Hart Aviation Nation Delivers (H.A.N.D.), which includes youth outreach and speaking engagements to inspire young individuals towards STEM and aviation careers.
As IHFF expands its network, termed "Hart Nation," it continues to build a community of partners, donors, and volunteers committed to fostering diversity and growth in aviation. This network includes notable organizations and individuals like Lisa Kollar from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who commended the foundation’s efforts in building collaborative opportunities in the aviation sector.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

I Hart Flying Foundation Launches Scholarship Campaign

More than $30,000 in flight training scholarships will be available

The I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) is launching its latest initiative, the "Spring into Action" scholarship program, aimed at supporting women in aviation.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Four-decade career in aviation journalism culminated in leading AIN’s editorial team

AIN Editor-in-chief Matt Thurber To Retire in October

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The Dutch air force will receive eight of the two-seaters in 2027

Pilatus PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer Makes First Flight

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Why not teach new pilots to go around before learning how to land?

AINsight: You Can (and Should) Always Go Around

Kerry Lynch

Most major manufacturers will be at static this year

NBAA-BACE Taking Shape with Expanded Program, Most OEMs

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

First step toward licensing could encourage youth to seek aviation careers

GAO Wants High Schoolers To Take Mechanic General Test

Charlotte Bailey

Evolving AI-augmented simulator-based approach to ‘gamify’ learning 

Saab Shaking Up Gripen Training with Project Skynapse 

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

More In Training and Workforce

AIN Editor-in-chief Matt Thurber To Retire in October

Four-decade career in aviation journalism culminated in leading AIN’s editorial team

Pilatus PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer Makes First Flight

The Dutch air force will receive eight of the two-seaters in 2027

AINsight: You Can (and Should) Always Go Around

Why not teach new pilots to go around before learning how to land?

NBAA-BACE Taking Shape with Expanded Program, Most OEMs

Most major manufacturers will be at static this year

GAO Wants High Schoolers To Take Mechanic General Test

First step toward licensing could encourage youth to seek aviation careers

Saab Shaking Up Gripen Training with Project Skynapse

Evolving AI-augmented simulator-based approach to ‘gamify’ learning

Cutting 'Traveled Work' Delays At Spirit Critical To 737 Output

Spirit AeroSystems workers give Leeham News and Analysis the inside track

People in Aviation —September 2026

Michel Denis was named CEO of Daher, Steve Varsano president of Flexjet, and Robert Sumwalt was the next Wright Trophy recipient

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