Tailwinds Supports the Frankford High School Aviation Program
In 2019, Tailwinds Founder Howard Cooper was approached by Frankford High School in Northeast Philadelphia to explore providing flight training for students enrolled in the school’s Aviation Academy. The partnership took flight in Fall 2022, when the School District of Philadelphia funded the first three students to begin their hands-on flight training—an exciting extension of Frankford’s STEM-based aviation curriculum.
Since then, the program has continued to grow. As of September 2025, ten students are actively pursuing their pilot certificates. Through this collaboration, Tailwinds discovered its mission: to provide flight-training scholarships, open the skies of opportunity, and transform the lives of Philadelphia youth.
We're Committed from START to FINISH
Once admitted to the scholarship program, each student will receive sponsored aviation training for as long as they need it and as far as they’re willing to go. To become a certificated private pilot can cost as much as $30,000, but that won’t stop Tailwinds! Help us reach for the stars by making a donation at the link below.
Topics Covered by Frankford High School
Potential Aviation Careers
Certified Flight Instructor
Pilot for Sightseeing Tours
Aerial Photography
Traffic Reporting
Banner Towing
Commercial Airline Pilot
Air Ambulance
Search and Rescue Operations
Drone Photographer/Videographer
Roof or Power Line Inspector
Tailwinds has a strong relationship with the Frankford High School Aviation Program and we’re actively seeking partnerships with other Philadelphia-area high schools as well. We want to expand aviation opportunities across our region. Contact us if you’re interested in subsidizing a new partnership.
For the fourth year in a row, Tailwinds Academy of Aviation is proud to welcome Tailwinds Academy of Aviation scholarship recipients!
Graduates from Frankford High School’s Aviation Academy, these stellar students are continuing their aviation journey with Tailwinds – and we’re supporting them every step of the way.
Are you ready to take the next step. Let’s connect to talk about your flight training goals and how Tailwinds Flight School can provide you the ultimate flight training.
