TigerFlight Programs
TigerFlight Foundation focuses on the mission of leading youth to the dream of flight and inspiring them to become "Pilots In Command" of their own lives.
Youth Development
Inspiring a career in aviation through hands-on education, mentorship, and flight experiences.
"Pilot In Command" of Your Own Life
TigerFlight's core theme—"You are the Pilot in Command of Your Own Life"—frames personal growth as a flight journey, where participants learn to prepare, create "high-definition destinations" to set goals, navigate challenges, make and enact confident decisions, and review their performance.
This aviation analogy makes complex life lessons easily understandable and permanently memorable, drawing from principles like pre-flight planning (goal setting and preparation), in-flight adjustments (adaptability and overcoming obstacles), and safe landings (reflection, review, and improvement).
The "Pilot in Command" program is taught not only to groups of kids at TigerFlight facilities, but also at schools and civic organizations.
"Pilot in Command" teachings were also used to create the award-winning children's book "Jake and the TigerFlight", where a youth in need of direction finds success in life from learning and applying the "Pilot in Command of Your Own Life" lessons.
This inspirational, high-energy, and instructive presentation, by a uniformed TigerFlight pilot, will energize any program!
Book a Presentation
A TigerFlight pilot can inspire your students, scouts, or organization to become Pilots in Command of their own lives.
Classroom Visits
A TigerFlight pilot can inspire your students to become Pilots in Command of their own lives. We use aviation as a metaphor for believing in oneself and reaching for your dreams.
Contact UsAviation Academy
TigerFlight's free, nearly year-long Aviation Academy offers older youth ages 14-18 — many of which started out as TigerFlight Ground Crew — a deeper level of aviation-related instruction, including:
- Instrumentation
- Theory and science of flight
- Flight controls and surfaces
- Weather impact on aviation
- Basic airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance and repair instruction
- Airport operations
Taught by TigerFlight instructors in conjunction with local trade schools' aviation programs, it provides direct exposure to job functions and potential career paths within the industry. Students that show leadership potential and mastery of the material are invited back to help teach and mentor future classes.
TigerFlight Ground Crew
TigerFlight Ground Crew is a uniformed group of trained youth ages 12-18. Through regular meetings, GC members are taught to serve as TigerFlight ambassadors during flight operations and events. As Ground Crew, members:
- Greet visitors and teach others about the aircraft, hangar, and airport operations
- Help ensure the safety of visitors and crew by marshaling aircraft at events
- Stay at the forefront of learning within TigerFlight — it's an important job!
- Learn valuable lessons about preparation, engaging with others, communication, public speaking, responsibility, teamwork, and accountability
- Learn basic aircraft maintenance and cleaning skills, which teach the vital importance of seemingly unimportant details
Safety First
Hands-On
Teamwork
Aviation Badge Program
Designed to address the requirements of most aviation-based badge programs for youth organizations:
- Aircraft cockpit (instrumentation)
- Aircraft exterior (flight surfaces)
- Airport grounds and facilities
- 30-minute flight
Formation Flyovers for Special Events
Formation flyovers for military funerals and all types of special events when an impactful and inspiring flight demonstration is desired.
TigerFlight — Formation Flying for Game Openers and Memorial Services
Contact us for further information about this most unique and limited service.
Contact Us“The family of Jim Caldwell will never forget the flyover with the missing man formation that honored my husband and their father, grandfather and great grandfather. From the start to finish the ease at which this memorial was executed was flawless... Just as our memorial ended and we began to make the announcement we heard the buzz of the approaching planes. Our guests stepped from under the shelter and watched in awe as the four trails of smoke emerged... afterward, we dried our eyes and many began to replay the entire event on their phones. It was a most fitting tribute to Jim.”
— Diane Caldwell
Partners
Schools, scout troops, Jr. ROTC programs, and community organizations partner with TigerFlight for presentations, field trips, and aviation education programs.
EAA Young Eagles
Free introductory flights for young people ages 8-17, giving them their first taste of the freedom of flight.
Our Impact
In 2025 alone, TigerFlight served nearly 350 youth* through:
*Number of youth participating in each function
TigerFlight's Other Impactful Accomplishments
Ready to Make a Difference in a Kid's Future?
Support our mission to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.