IRS Grants 501(c)(3) Status Effective May 7, 2012

The Aviation Educator Hall of Fame (AEHOF) was recently granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. Begun in 2010 as an initiative of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), a coalition of more than 20 aviation organizations and individuals formally established the independent Hall of Fame in May 2012. The organization is led by President Jack Pelton, Vice President Steve Riethof, and Secretary Judy Phelps. Peggy Chabrian, Rod Machado, Rusty Sachs, and Thomas Turner make up the selection committee.

Currently a virtual Hall of Fame, AEHOF’s purpose is to select and recognize qualified nominees who, through extraordinary achievement and service of either a sustained or a one-time nature, have made outstanding contributions to aviation education generally, in a specific field of endeavor, or in a niche. Any person or group may nominate an individual for induction into AEHOF. Eligible nominees include ground, flight, and simulator instructors, pilot examiners, teachers and academicians, authors, researchers and innovators, maintenance and avionics instructors, and other aviation-education-related professionals who warrant consideration. AEHOF’s goals for 2013 include inducting its inaugural class of honorees.

Tax deductible donations to AEHOF can be made using the organization’s PayPal “Donate” button, or by check payable to Aviation Educator Hall of Fame, Inc., c/o P.O. Box 1026, McCall, ID 83638. For those wishing to support AEHOF by volunteering time and expertise, please email.

For more information, to make an online donation, or to nominate a candidate for consideration for the Hall of Fame, visit http://www.AviationEducatorHoF.org.