Flight Experience for Youth (FEFY) - We Help Youth Soar!

Flight Experience for Youth (FEFY), a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2004 in response to a recognized need to bring more youth into the field of aviation. FEFY funds flight training, ground school, and aviation experiences for young people age 21 and younger eager to learn to fly. The programs that FEFY funds are run by Sugarbush Soaring at the Warren Sugarbush Airport.

FEFY's goal is to give young people the opportunity to experience the world of aviation. Through the process of learning to fly, youth gain skills that go well beyond learning to pilot an aircraft. Flying requires deep knowledge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects, hands-on mechanical skills, and a high level of independence and responsibility. As youth master the skills necessary to be good pilots, they also cement the critical thinking and leadership that will serve them well throughout many areas of their lives. In learning to fly, students gain so much more.

FEFY currently funds four youth-focused programs at Sugarbush Soaring:

  • The Line Crew Program: this "work to fly" program lets young aviation enthusiasts earn credits toward instructional and solo glider flights, while learning critical thinking and leadership skills. FEFY also pays for FAA pilot certification tests for Line Crew members.
  • Scholarships: FEFY funds scholarships for Youth Soaring Camps (YSCs), advanced training towards FAA Commercial and Flight Instructor certificates, and pre-solo preparation. FEFY has funded one to three YSC scholarships each year since 2004.
  • Youth Airport Day: an annual event that invites 20 youth from the community to participate in a free ground school session and glider lesson.
  • Sugarbush Soaring Youth Annual Dues: full membership and privileges at Sugarbush Soaring at a discounted rate, subsidized by FEFY

FEFY is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and is completely dependent on contributions from generous donors. Please consider making a donation to help support our Youth Programs. FEFY is a 501(c)(3) program, and we will acknowledge all contributions. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

To learn more, please email fefy@sugarbushsoaring.com.

Thank you for your support!

FEFY Board of Directors: Jen Stamp, Eve Silverman, Emilio Arce, Brian Wagner and Danny Burns. Youth Advisors: Tim Wilson and Braden Martens.

The founders of FEFY, from left to right: Bob Messner, Dave Ellis, Peter Ranney and Frank Rodgers.