Solairus Aviation Announces Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund

The fund aims to honor late aviator and Solairus team member Chad Davidson while supporting Embry-Riddle students.

Chad Davidson [Courtesy: Solairus Aviation]

Solairus Aviation has announced the establishment of the Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund, which honors the memory of the late Chad Davidson, a passionate member of the aviation community. 

Davidson joined the charter sales team at Solairus, an aviation services company, at the age of 19 in 2014. Known for his drive talent and passion for aviation, he became an integral part of the Solairus team and was admired by coworkers, who affectionately called him “Super Chad.”

“Chad was a life force in the Solairus organization, not just because of his relationships and day-to-day influence on our business but because he represented what was possible for the future of our company and business aviation overall,” Solairus CEO Dan Drohan said. “At only 29 years old, he was already a symbol of promise for the next generation of leadership at Solairus and in our industry. He was, more importantly, a great human being.”

In addition to his work in business aviation, Davidson was an active volunteer, mentor, and member of his church community. He participated in charitable flights for PALS Airlift Services, which transports medical patients for treatment when they are unable to fly commercially.

The scholarship fund aims to support students pursuing bachelor of science degrees in aviation business administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The fund will provide scholarships to individuals “who exhibit the same level of passion, dedication, and leadership that defined Davidson's life and career,” Solairus said.

Added Drohan: “The creation of a scholarship fund to invest in young, promising people like Chad who can leave their own mark on business aviation seems like a fitting tribute to the memory of a great person who made such a positive impression on Solairus, our clients, and the industry.”

Dr. Alan Stolzer, dean for Embry-Riddle’s College of Aviation, said the school is honored to be a part of Davidson’s legacy in the aviation community.

“Embry-Riddle is honored to be…stewards of the Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund," said Stolzer. "This fund will help support the next generation of aviation professionals who want to make a positive impact in their business aviation careers.”

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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