Lakeland, FL – Project STRATOS embodies the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s (ACE) mission to Engage, Educate, and Accelerate the Next Generation of Aerospace Professionals. Stallion 51 believes in paying it forward and upward by mentoring those students with an interest in aviation. For the past 7 years, Stallion 51 has partnered with ACE in Project STRATOS – which encourages high school students to engage in a leadership development program.
Each year, Stallion 51 selects one outstanding high school senior who has not only displayed leadership abilities but has extended themselves to help others reach their goals. These exceptional students are contributing to the future of aviation by not only advancing their own knowledge but by bringing others along on their journey of discovery, demonstrating what it truly means to be a “Flight Lead”.
The Project STRATOS winner is rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a flight in a TF-51 Mustang with legendary pilot, Lee Lauderback. To qualify, program finalists must submit an essay. This year’s topic, “How would you advocate to help keep General Aviation alive?” addresses the need for General Aviation to nurture advocates in the role of keeping aviation accessible and available to the public. Further, each of the finalists met with Stallion 51’s Director of Operations, Angela West for a one-on-one interview.
Congratulations to this year’s “Flight Lead” winner, Juksana Mai Ngam! Ms. Mai Ngam received the honor of flying with founder Lee Lauderback in Stallion 51’s TF-51 Mustang “Crazy Horse II”. During the flight, she had the opportunity to take the controls and fly the iconic WWII fighter while Lee instructed her how to perform the maneuvers that won countless aerial battles during WWII.