Founder
B.J. Perrett
CH-46 crew chief who flew 800+ combat missions in Vietnam, earning 40 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Later a U.S. Army Reserve intelligence officer and a licensed pilot, power and sailplane.
Chase the
dream.
We use real aircraft to inspire young people toward technical skills and the careers they open up: pilots, mechanics, engineers, and whatever dream comes next.
Our mission
It starts with aircraft.But it doesn't
end there...
Founded in 2006 by a Vietnam Veteran, the Blackhawk Flight Foundation uses mentoring and hands-on aviation experiences to show young people what's truly possible.
350+Students sent to the National Flight Academy STEM Education Program
250+EAA Young Eagles
11+Air Show Appearances
20Years of Inspiration
The aircraft
Up close.
▶ Demo flyby
In the cockpit
On the runway
Sponsor
the mission.
These partners help put real flying aircraft in front of young people. Join them, and tell us a little about your organization.
The cockpit is short-handed.
So is the maintenance hangar.
12–18Kaviation technicians short every year
122K+pilots needed by 2046
11K+annual openings for aviation mechanics
0.14%of Americans hold a pilot's license
Industry estimates cited in the Foundation's 2026 primer.
Who we are.
Pilots, engineers, former military, former law enforcement and mechanics. Founded October 11, 2006 by former Marine and U.S. Army Captain B.J. Perrett, who believed aviation could help young people break the cycle of poverty, violence and hopelessness, and replace it with passion for technical skills.
Executive Director
Victor Schilleci
L39 Demo PilotWith a career in law enforcement & aviation, "Sonny" is an instrument rated commercial pilot with over 3,000 hours and type ratings in CE-525S, EMB-500, and CL-30. He is also an FAA Certified A&P/IA functioning as owner of Auric Avionics & Instruments, an FAA 145 repair station.
Director
Pike Howard
L39 Demo PilotCommercial and instrument-rated pilot with 1,800+ hours and CE-525S type rating. Founder and Managing Partner of Peregrine Howard Aviation and CEO of Felipe's Taqueria; also on the board of the Son of a Saint Foundation.
Director
Jerry Gonsoulin
President and CEO of M&M Bumper Service with 7,500+ flight hours, 3,500 in seaplanes. Lifetime EAA member who supports Young Eagles and Kids in Aviation programs in Terrebonne Parish.
Director
Jules Galiouras
Healthcare executive with 20+ years leading multi-state teams, including 12 at LHC Group as Division President of Hospice Market Development. Owner of Opa Investments and a University of New Orleans graduate.
Help us inspire.
Every gift funds the mission: more students meeting real aircraft and the people who fly and fix them.
Donate now
