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News & Media Bold decision leads to CFI scholarship

Bold decision leads to CFI scholarship

April 5, 2022 By Cayla McLeod Hunt

A leap of faith later in life than most would dare put Charnell Walls on the path to her second career in aviation, and her story vaulted her to the top of the list when King Schools selected a flight instructor to reward with a substantial scholarship.

Charnell Walls (pictured with King Schools founders Martha and John King) is the 2022 recipient of the Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors. Photo courtesy of King Schools.
Charnell Walls (pictured with King Schools founders Martha and John King) is the 2022 recipient of the Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors. Photo courtesy of King Schools.

At the age of 50 Charnell Walls took an incredible leap of faith. She sold her house to be able to afford her dream of pursuing her ratings at the University of Oklahoma. “You hear about ‘second chances’ and ‘new starts’, but rarely about as bold a decision as Charnell Walls made,” said Martha King, co-founder of King Schools.

The Texan graduated with an aviation management degree and went on to fly professionally for Cape Air. "During my company training I watched those who had earned their CFI progress more quickly," said Walls.

In March, King Schools founders John and Martha King presented Walls with the seventh edition of the Women in Aviation International and Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors to help Walls achieve her dream of becoming a CFI. The $5,000 award also includes lifetime access to the King Schools library, raising the value of the scholarship to more than $18,000.

"Charnell Walls is a truly remarkable person," said Martha King. "It has been a privilege to get to know her and it will be fun for us to watch her go forward."

Applications for next year’s scholarship will become available on the Women in Aviation International website in mid-2022. The Martha King scholarship is one of many that the company has created.

Cayla McLeod

Cayla McLeod Hunt

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Social Media Marketer Cayla McLeod Hunt is a private pilot with a love for tailwheel and backcountry aircraft. When she isn't writing stories, she enjoys flying with friends and introducing others to general aviation.
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Topics: Scholarship

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