Our Mission
To educate and to promote aerospace, general aviation and aviation-related employment, and education, for residents of the ILM Airport service area, particularly New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties, with a focus on youth.
The ILM Aerospace Foundation seeks to facilitate aviation education with career opportunities, bringing increased awareness to the wide variety of careers within the aviation industry. The Foundation fundraises and hosts events in partnership with regional organizations to establish scholarship funds for area youth interested in aviation education. The Foundation also seeks to promote the cultural significance of aviation, with a particular emphasis on regional ties to aviation achievements throughout history.
Events
ACE CAMPS: “The Sky’s the Limit”
Summer 2024
“The Sky’s the Limit!” ACE Academy exposes middle school students primarily from underserved populations to a variety of careers in aviation, inspiring future members of the aviation workforce. The ACE Camps provide hands-on experiences and special behind-the-scenes tours, with a focus on history of flight, principles of flight, drones, and aviation careers. The ACE Camps are hosted in collaboration with Wilmington International Airport, NCDOT–Division of Aviation, Cape Fear Community College, Federal Aviation Administration, Live Oak Bank, Cape Fear Flying Club, All American Aviation Services, New Hanover County Schools, and Pender County Schools. 15 students participate in each camp, with more than 60 students participating over the last two years.
Cape Fear General Aviation Day
April 27, 2024 and October 2024 (date TBD)
This collaborative event takes place annually in the spring at Wilmington International Airport. Pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers and aviation enthusiasts fly-in or drive-in to enjoy networking, educational presentations (qualifying for WINGS credit), and static displays. A silent auction and donations collected throughout the event help contribute to the scholarship fund.
Airshow
Coming Fall 2028 Over the Beach
The ILM Aerospace Foundation is planning a marquee event with the unique opportunity to see incredible aircraft in the skies over the beach. This event will surely attract crowds from across the region and neighboring states. Event sponsorship opportunities will be available.
Goal
The ILM Aerospace Foundation has an ambitious goal to work with partners to start high school and college aviation programs in the area. The Foundation also plans to start an after-school program educating children about flying and aviation as a career choice. Volunteer flight instructors will assist with the after-school program and the Foundation will provide flight simulators.
Scholarships
Once certain fundraising thresholds are met, the Foundation plans to award flight and maintenance training scholarships.
Fundraising
The important mission of the ILM Aerospace Foundation is only possible through valuable partnerships with organizations throughout the community and donations from generous individuals. Thank you for your generous support.
Interested in learning more? Email foundation@flyilm.com or call 910-341-4333 x1000
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will consist of seven members, all of whom will be appointed by the New Hanover County Airport Authority as follows:
One New Hanover County Airport Authority Member or designee
Six at large members appointed by the New Hanover County Airport Authority
The initial Board of Directors consists of the following members:
- Mr. Bill Cherry
- Mr. Thomas Wolfe
- Mr. Tom Barber