Gulf Shores High School Receives Aircraft Donation

OBA Staff • February 18, 2025

New plane enhances pilot training at Gulf Shores High

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores High School's Aviation Academy is set to receive a 2016 TL Sting S4 aircraft, thanks to a generous donation from Vince and Lynn Boothe. The announcement was made by Superintendent Dr. Matt Akin. The celebration will take place at Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field on Tuesday, February 18, at 9:30 AM.

The Boothes, former owners of Saltair—a flight school at Gulf Shores Airport—donated the two-seat aircraft in December 2024. They previously employed Haley Kellogg, the current aviation teacher at Gulf Shores High School.

Kellogg expressed her gratitude, noting that the aircraft's modern features will greatly benefit students aiming for careers as professional pilots. She highlighted the exceptional cockpit visibility and advanced avionics of the Sting S4.

Dr. Akin emphasized the significance of the donation, stating it will enable the school to offer flight lessons to students. He pointed out that only a few schools nationwide provide such opportunities.

The Aviation Academy provides hands-on learning, connecting academic lessons to real-world applications. Partnerships offer students chances to explore STEAM problem-solving on the Gulf Coast.

During the event, students, faculty, and mentors will showcase the new aircraft, a restoration project, and an aircraft kit build. They will also be available to discuss the program and answer questions.

The event will be held at Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field, specifically in Hangars Tango 1 and 2. Attendants will guide visitors to designated parking areas.

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