WNCPA Educational Foundation
WNCPA Educational Foundation
Nancy Marstal
Nancy is a native of Atlanta, GA and has lived in Asheville since 1992. Prior to Asheville, she resided in Boston for 12 years, working for an international executive suite organization, Headquarters Companies, and was instrumental in the opening of their six locations in the Boston area and Providence, RI.
During that time, she trained for and received her Private Pilot certificate. She was an active member of the Eastern New England Chapter of the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots) and was deeply involved in their volunteer projects that funded their annual aviation scholarship programs. In Asheville, she continues to be an active pilot and aircraft owner.
Nancy has been on the WNCPA Educational Foundation board since 2016 serving on various committees including the Selection Committee of its annual Aviation Grant Program.
Her community volunteer involvements also include WNC Pilots Association, WNC Air Museum and local Chapter 1016 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Nancy also enjoys gardening, hiking, and most any outdoor activity.
Nancy Marstal
Nancy is a native of Atlanta, GA and has lived in Asheville since 1992. Prior to Asheville, she resided in Boston for 12 years, working for an international executive suite organization, Headquarters Companies, and was instrumental in the opening of their six locations in the Boston area and Providence, RI.
During that time, she trained for and received her Private Pilot certificate. She was an active member of the Eastern New England Chapter of the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots) and was deeply involved in their volunteer projects that funded their annual aviation scholarship programs. In Asheville, she continues to be an active pilot and aircraft owner.
Nancy has been on the WNCPA Educational Foundation board since 2016 serving on various committees including the Selection Committee of its annual Aviation Grant Program.
Her community volunteer involvements also include WNC Pilots Association, WNC Air Museum and local Chapter 1016 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Nancy also enjoys gardening, hiking, and most any outdoor activity.
Grantee Testimonials
Greg Larson
As a 2016 Western North Carolina Pilots Association Educational Grant Recipient, I was able to continue training towards and finally earn my Instrument Rating. This has been a significant milestone for me for several reasons; First, I am a safer pilot because of the training the grant helped me achieve, especially when flying with family and friends. Second, having an Instrument Rating has enabled me to serve the Asheville Civil Air Patrol in a more expanded role, and Third, this grant helped me achieve a key milestone while working towards additional aviation certifications. I am very grateful to have been selected and look for opportunities to serve the local aviation community.
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Ben Bashinski
The WNCPAEF grant was an amazing opportunity. I wasn’t expecting CFI training to cost as much as it did, and the grant helped me power through it so I could start teaching sooner. Having a mentor from the Pilot’s Association monitor my progress helped even more. And getting reimbursed for training was incredibly quick and easy. I’m definitely glad I took the time to apply and would recommend anyone going through a training pipeline to try as well.
Charles "Devin" Rice
"I became instrument rated in 2022, thanks largely in part to a grant received from the WNCPAEF which allowed me to continue my training when I wasn't financially able. While pursuing a CFI rating, I received the Mal Beckham Jr. Memorial Grant in 2023 and was able to complete the rating in June of the same year. Taking on new primary students as an instructor has been a great experience, and it is my desire to continue spreading a love for aviation in WNC with future generations to come."
Graham Collie
“Thanks to the WNCPAEF grant, I was able to work towards my Private Pilots License and pass my check ride all before leaving for college! I couldn’t have done it without the kind and generous people over at the WNCPA.”
Andrew Leih
"My name is Andrew Leih. I am currently working on my CFI ASEL, and I would like to thank everyone involved at the Western North Carolina Pilots Association for making that happen. Without the generous grant from the WNCPA Educational Foundation I would not be able to be where I am today. Thanks again!"
Hayden Phillips
"I am a student at A-B Tech in the Commercial Pilot Technology program. I have been so fortunate to receive this grant from WNCPAEF. The money will allow me to complete my Instrument rating certification without having to take out a student loan for which I am so grateful. Flight lessons and seat time are costly, but I appreciate the support given and confidence WNCPAEF has shown in me."
Kai Pipkin
"The WNCPAEF grant has helped me tremendously in pursuing my commercial certificate and aviation dreams, an area where it is hard to get financial support. I am very grateful for the grant and all of the amazing work the WNC Pilot’s Association does for the aviation community."