The Aero Club Of Northern California

Sofia Goodwin

2023 Robert L. Hamilton Scholarship Recipient

Sofia is pursuing an Aviation Professional Flight degree at San Jose State University (SJSU). She is committed to excelling in her studies, maintaining a high GPA, and taking additional courses to graduate a semester early. Her goal in graduating ahead of schedule is to accumulate more flight hours, expediting her journey toward becoming a commercial pilot and, ultimately, an airline pilot.

Sofia has always had a clear sense of purpose and a passion for making a difference in her community. Her academic journey has been defined by a commitment to leadership, a love for aviation, and an unyielding dedication to self-improvement.

Sofia embarked on her flight training during her senior year in high school. By the end of that school year, she had already passed the written exam for her Private Pilot's license. During the subsequent summer, Sofia continued her flight training, obtaining her Private Pilot certificate shortly after commencing her studies at SJSU. Since then, she has not only completed her Instrument Rating but is also actively working towards acquiring her Commercial Pilot license, all while concurrently working as a fueler and aircraft mechanic’s assistant at the San Martin Airport.

In addition to her academic and aviation pursuits, Sofia maintains a well-rounded life with personal interests encompassing training for triathlons, ultramarathons, and mountain climbing. These activities showcase her unwavering commitment to pushing her limits and achieving excellence in every facet of her life.

Joshua Cucci

2023 Thomas E. Leonard Scholarship Recipient

Joshua is pursuing an Aviation Professional Flight degree at San Jose State University (SJSU) with an expected graduation date of May 2025. Joshua has earned his Private and Commercial Pilot certificates and Instrument Rating and is working towards a Multi-Engine Rating and Certified Flight Instructor certificate (CFI). In addition, Joshua is on track to obtain his Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument Rating (CFII) next year and plans to work as a CFII during his final three semesters at SJSU.

As an active member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for over six years, Joshua has not only demonstrated leadership but also a deep sense of responsibility to aviation and the larger community. His experience within the CAP includes serving as the Public Affairs Officer, where he took the initiative to develop a website, manage social media, and organize engaging community events, such as the youth in aviation event sponsored by United Airlines. As the CAP Cadet Commander, he mentored and managed a large group of Cadets.

Currently, Joshua is a contract flight test engineer for Airbus, operating onboard data collection systems and contributing to developing technology for the Airbus A320neo family. Last summer, Joshua was an Airport Operations Intern at United Airlines in Los Angeles (LAX). He was responsible for analyzing operational performance and establishing performance metrics to examine station and network growth opportunities. Additionally, he was a Flight Operations and Dispatch Intern for Airbus in Sunnyvale at their technological innovation center, working across teams to develop a comprehensive flight operations and test matrix.

Aside from his Civil Air Patrol involvement, Joshua is an Instructional Student Assistant for Professor Edgar Mora at SJSU. Joshua was pivotal in revitalizing the program’s flight simulation lab, making it accessible to students free of charge. His dedication to improving the resources available to fellow students is a testament to his commitment to advancing aviation education.

Bhavya Dhulipalla

2023 James M. Nissen Scholarship Recipient

Bhavya, a soon-to-be graduate in Aviation Management at San José State University, holds several significant roles. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the SJSU Chapter of Women in Aviation, works as an Instructional Student Assistant in the Aviation Safety and Security course at SJSU (AVIA 128), and dedicates her time as a Volunteer Peer Mentor at the Engineering Student Success Center. Bhavya was recently accepted into a graduate program at Purdue University. In the summer of 2022, Bhavya completed an internship as an Aviation Security Intern at San Francisco International Airport. During the summer of 2023, she gained further experience with Boeing, working as a Business Operations Intern in the 777/777X airplane program in Everett, Washington. Bhavya was offered a full-time position at Boeing after graduating from SJSU, which she enthusiastically accepted.

Bhavya’s primary objective is to inspire more women of color to join the aviation industry and become a role model for others, just as she has had her own role models. Bhavya has been fortunate to connect with numerous individuals who have provided professional and personal support, for which she is profoundly grateful. She is determined to facilitate a smoother journey for those facing similar challenges.

Under the guidance of Professor Wendy Mora, Bhavya is organizing an Aviation Discovery Day event on November 18th at the Reid-Hillview Airport as part of her senior capstone project. Aviation Discovery Day is an aviation career opportunity-focused event for high school students, educators, and more. She extends an open invitation to all interested individuals! Please visit www.aviationdiscoveryday.com.

Alexander "Alec" Sandy

2023 Changing the World Scholarship Recipient

Alec, a junior at San Jose State University, is actively pursuing a degree in Aviation Professional Flight. His post-graduation plans involve accumulating flight hours as a Certified Flight Instructor with the ultimate aspiration of becoming an airline pilot.

Alec has made notable progress in his journey towards this goal. Last year, he earned his Private Pilot Certificate and is focused on obtaining his Instrument Rating, which he anticipates completing early next year. He eagerly anticipates making a positive impact on the general aviation community by serving as a flight instructor and mentor pilot to aspiring young aviators.

In addition to his flight training pursuits, Alec is an Analyst Assistant at the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System program. In this role, he meticulously analyzes a wide range of aviation safety reports, providing valuable insights across all facets of aviation. Alec attributes this experience to enhancing his proficiency and deepening his understanding of the aviation industry, equipping him to be a safer and more knowledgeable pilot.

Within the SJSU Aviation community, Alec is a leader in various student organizations. He currently holds the position of President for Alpha Eta Rho and serves as the Safety Officer for the SJSU Precision Flight Team. Alec is honored and immensely grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship, expressing his gratitude to the Aero Club of Northern California Board of Directors and the generous scholarship donors.

William Longthorne III

2022 Robert L. Hamilton Scholarship Recipient

My name is William Longthorne III, I am a senior at San Jose State University. I am majoring in Aviation under the option of Professional Flight.

I am planning on graduating next semester in Spring 2023. I currently work at Aviation Safety Reporting System, a NASA funded project, where I have been employed as an assistant analyst.

I plan on staying local in the San Jose area so I am able to help instruct future pilots including SJSU students and alumni. This scholarship is incredibly important to me as I am finishing my commercial license, as without it I would more than likely have had to take a break in my flight training due to financial concerns.

John Borden IV

2022 Thomas E. Leonard Scholarship Recipient

Hello! My name is John Wallace Borden IV and I am a 4th year currently attending San Jose State University studying Aviation Operations.

I am planned to graduate this coming Spring 2023 in aspiration to become a commercial airline pilot. I am currently working for NASA! Well, a branch directed under NASA known as Delta ASRS (Aviation Safety and Reporting Systems).

After I graduate, I plan to continue my current training and proceed further in acquiring my license and potentially apply to work for FlyBay Area while being a CFI. As I am studying for my Instrument, I plan to utilize this money to help diminish the financial burden this flight training normally comes with!

However, in the end as we known, it is all very well worth it! I am so thankful for this opportunity given to me and hope to meet many new people I can make ever lasting connections with that will help me proceed further toward a successful future.

The support from this scholarship will be extremely beneficial to me as it will be going directly toward a cause that will allow me to proceed further for toward my ultimate goal. Not to mention the amazing support and motivation from my parents that I am so deeply grateful for.

Thank you again everyone! For all that you have done for me and allowing me to get to this single milestone in my life with many more to closely to follow!

Joseph Edwards

2022 James M. Nissen Scholarship Recipient

Joseph Edwards is a Senior at San Jose State University pursuing a degree in Aviation.

He is hoping to become a professional pilot. He is married and has a daughter. He discovered aviation through his grandfather.

He discovered the importance of safety through his mother, who was paralyzed from a general aviation accident before he was born. He has his single engine land certificate, a commercial UAS certificate.

With this scholarship and working as a remote pilot, he is planning on finishing both an instrument rating and Commercial airplane certificate.

Tram Do

2022 Changing the World Scholarship Recipient

My name is Tram Do. I am attending San Jose State University (SJSU) and majoring in Aviation Flight Operations. I plan on graduating Spring of 2024.

I currently participate in the SJSU College Corps program, where I do volunteer work focusing on food security issues and helping 5th graders learn computer science. For club activities, I am the Vice President of the Women in Aviation SJSU chapter and pledging for Alpha Eta Rho, a business aviation fraternity.

I am working towards my private pilot license at Squadron 2 out of Reid Hillview airport. I recently soloed and am now working on the cross-country part of flight training. I want to get my commercial, multi-engine, and certified flight instructor (CFI) certification to improve my knowledge about aviation and flying. After being a CFI, I want to either fly corporate or airlines. Through my knowledge of aviation, I will share my knowledge and help others.

I want to inspire and encourage women and minorities to pursue aviation careers. The scholarship from Aero Club Norcal will allow me to relieve some financial stress in financing my flight training. At the same time, I get to immerse more in college education, private pilot training, and events in the aviation community.

Montgomery Flight 1904	Moffett Field 1933	China Clipper 1935	NASA Ames Research Center 1939	Hiller XH - 44 1944