Flight Path Museum & Learning Center Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Flight Path Museum & Learning Center

The Flight Path Museum & Learning Center is delighted to provide annual scholarships for residents of Southern California who are interested in pursuing careers in the fields of aviation and aerospace.

• Multiple scholarship applications can be submitted by a single applicant.
• For detailed information about these scholarships, refer to the descriptions provided below.
• Previous scholarship winners are welcome to apply again.
• Applicants have the opportunity to apply for more than one scholarship.

Anton Acherman Scholarship

The Anton Acherman Scholarship Program was established in honor of Anton Acherman, a retired mechanical engineer and a resident of Westchester for 52 years. Mr. Acherman had an impressive career in aerospace, contributing to projects like the Atlas-Centaur rocket, the water system for Skylab, America’s first space station, and test equipment for the Space Simulation Laboratory at Boeing Satellite Systems. The scholarship is financed by contributions from his family, friends, neighbors, and local businesses.

Scholarship Award:

The most deserving applicant will receive a $500 scholarship. This award can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, pilot ground and flight training, and other educational expenses.

The $500 award will be directly sent to the educational institution chosen by the recipient (e.g., community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.).

Captain Rex May Scholarship

The Captain Rex May Scholarship Program is funded by his devoted wife and Flight Path volunteer, Linda May. The program is managed by the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center and aims to inspire students to pursue careers as pilots. Captain Rex May began his flying career as a Marine Aviator and later joined United Airlines, where he served for 36 years. He also worked as a Flight Instructor, helping others enhance their flight skills and start their careers at United. His active membership in the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) further reinforced his commitment to aviation. Through this scholarship, his wife Linda hopes to assist young individuals in achieving their dreams of becoming pilots.

Scholarship Award:

A $5000 scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant. This award can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, pilot ground and flight training, and other educational expenses. This scholarship is specifically for students who aspire to become commercial pilots. Please provide any information that could assist the scholarship committee in determining eligibility, such as logs, school intentions, recommendations, etc.

Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr. Scholarship

The Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr., Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center. It aims to motivate students to pursue careers in aviation, aerospace, or aeronautics. The scholarship is named after Pete Conrad, a NASA astronaut who commanded Apollo 12 and was the third man to walk on the moon.

Scholarship Requirements:

A $2000 scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant. This award can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses.

The $2000 award will be directly sent to the educational institution chosen by the recipient (e.g., community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.).

Howard Drollinger Scholarship

The Howard Drollinger Scholarship Program is funded by his family and managed by the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center. The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in aviation. Howard Drollinger, a World War II Army Air Corps navigator, flew 50 successful combat missions over Italy and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, four air medals, and a Presidential Unit Citation. A proud graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), he became a real estate developer in Westchester, a community just north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). He was a pillar of the community and provided financial support to various local organizations, including the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center. Mr. Drollinger was the first recipient of the Honorary Service Award from the Flight Path Museum.

Scholarship Award:

A $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant. This award can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, pilot ground and flight training, and other educational expenses.

The $3,000 award will be directly sent to the educational institution chosen by the recipient (e.g., community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.).

Morrey Plotkin Scholarship

The Morrey Plotkin Scholarship Program is funded by his family and managed by the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center. The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in aviation. Morrey Plotkin, the founder of the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center, was a lifelong supporter of volunteerism and community organizations. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and retired with the rank of major. He earned his commercial pilot’s license while working for the Civil Aeronautics Authority, the predecessor of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and developed a lifelong passion for aviation. He spent much of his professional career on the corporate staff of the Northrop Corporation, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.

Scholarship Award:

A $5000 scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant. This award can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, pilot ground and flight training, and other educational expenses.

The $5000 award will be directly sent to the educational institution chosen by the recipient (e.g., community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.).