In 1977, the Foundation established a scholarship program for promising undergraduate and graduate students who plan to pursue careers in vertical flight.  In the initial years, the Foundation awarded between three and eight $1,000 scholarships annually.  Since 1980, the Foundation has awarded 150- $1,000 -$2,000 scholarships, thanks to the generosity and support of its contributors.

The Foundation recognizes four categories of contributors.  The Sustaining Patrons are those corporations or individuals who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the VFF of $1,000 or more.  The Foundation recognized individuals and organizations making annual contributions of $500 to $999.99 as Guarantors; those donating $300 to $499.99 as Benefactors;  those who contribute $100-$299.99 are recognized as Sponsors; and those donating $35 to $99.99 are Associates in the program.  Additionally, many generous AHS members (more than 300) when renewing their membership opt to contribute the $l0 VFF line item on their membership forms.

In 1987, PJS Publications established the Don Toler Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honor of the late Editor-in-Chief of Rotor & Wing, to be administered under the auspices of the Vertical Flight Foundation.  Contributions to the Vertical Flight Foundation are also accepted in the name of the late Charles W. (Chuck) Ellis, of Boeing Defense & Space Group, Helicopters Division.  In 1992, a scholarship was established in honor of the late Daniel L. Peduzzi, son of former chapter president Lawrence P. (Pete) Peduzzi.  Donations are also accepted in the name of the late helicopter pioneer and long-time AHS member Dr. Henry R. Velkoff who died in February 1993.  VFF contributions have also been accepted to honor Ralph Alex, Francois Xavier Bagnoud, Clemis Bailey, Richard A. Balzer, William G. Flannelly, E. E. "Tug" Gustafson, Helmut Huber, Bart Kelley, Joseph Mashman, John B. Nichols, Robert L. Pickney, Paul Powers, Charles M. Seibel, John A. Todd,  J. Cullen Weadock, Alfred Wolf, Arthur Young and others.

The Society received an extremely generous VFF contribution from the Alfred L. Wolf Estate in the amount of $43,679.08.  This donation, from a highly respected lawyer who created the Vertical Flight Foundation, will greatly assist the Society in continuing and expanding its mission to help educate and interest students in careers in the vertical flight industry.  We also received a very generouse donation from Hans Weichsel of $21,000 to establish a scholarship in memory of his wife "Gill" Weichsel. 

For those interested in learning more about applying for a VFF Scholarship, request an application today from AHS Headquarters. Please be sure to mention the VFF application on the subject line.
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