Aviator Scholarship

Anyone privileged to know the late Don Stevens of Cherokee County, GA also knew the passion that he had for aviation and for flying all types of aircraft. He was a retired Captain for Delta Airlines and the long-time Chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority among many other civic service roles he played over a lifetime of service to his beloved community.

What many don’t know about Don is the wonderful opportunities that were opened up to him as a result of his introduction at a young age to the aviation industry. He made the leap from selling ladies' shoes in downtown Atlanta as a high school graduate to Airline Captain in a very short period of years.

Obviously, this changed the trajectory of his life in countless, beneficial ways. Since his passing in 2021, friends and family have been trying to put together a fitting tribute to Don’s legacy in our community and we believe that introducing and financially supporting the youth of Cherokee County in aviation-related opportunities via scholarship is just the right measure- especially at a time when our country is facing an extreme shortage of pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians in the very near future. This comes at a time when the cost of basic training for these job specialties have never been more expensive and out of reach for all but the most affluent families.

Bob Burns had always loved flying and aircraft. He even memorized a little book called “Let’s Fly.” On his 13th Birthday, his parents surprised him with a 10-minute flight in an Aeronian Champ around the San Fernando Airport in California. That sealed his love of flying for a lifetime.

With only a 10-minute bike ride from his home to the Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale, California, he spent all his time learning to fly and working as a line boy there.

Then, on his 16th Birthday, an article was written about him when he cut class from school and sold six aircraft, which included an Aeronca Champ, a Cessna 120, a Cessna 140, a Cessna 170, a Cessna 180, and a Luscombe. On top of that, he took and passed his driver's test. He told the reporter he planned to pursue a flying career after graduation from Glendale College. And he did just that. At 17, he got his private license; at 18, he got his commercial and began instructing at Grand Central until it closed in 1959.

He served two years in the Army in Germany as an air traffic controller. After that, he flew DC-3s and DC-4s until Delta Airlines hired him in 1965. He was 22 years old and one of Delta’s youngest pilots. He flew all over the World with Delta for 35 years and then retired. After that, he flew corporate jets for nine more years. He became a flight instructor in 1959 and flew his last flight professionally in 2009. That's 50 years of flying for a living.

Bob’s son Robbie was influenced early in childhood by his father’s love of flying and professionalism. Bob was an incredible flight instructor who took the time to teach the basics correctly and instill crucial confidence in students. Robbie remembers the patience and aviation stories that inspired him to earn his private pilot certificate and own and operate his aircraft.

Later, Bob’s love of aviation influenced Robbie professionally and significantly contributed to his son’s decision to earn a commission in the U.S. Navy and become a Naval Flight Officer.

Bob was a devoted professional who continued learning new topics and technology throughout his aviation career and retirement. He would always take the time to stop, talk, and support folks interested in commercial or general aviation.

Bob’s influence in aviation continued with his son and grandson. Air shows were always popular, allowing Bob to continue sharing his experiences and teachings with his son Robbie and later with his grandson Scott.

To this day, Bob’s family is involved in aviation, as his grandson Scott is on active duty in the US Navy and serving as a naval flight officer.

Bob’s wife of 39 years, Kelley, was also one of the many pilots who earned her private pilot's license under his patient teachings. They had even visited Australia twice for two “Flying Safari.”

I hope Bob’s life story inspires others who love and desire to fly. Be Inspired, and give it your all.