Auburn Aviation Association Fosters Supportive Pilot Community

Mentorship, scholarships, and volunteers shape one of Northern California's most welcoming general aviation hubs.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The Auburn Aviation Association (AAA) in Northern California has grown from a small group of pilots in the 1980s into a hub for mentorship, scholarships, and pilot development. Under the leadership of President Nebil Almakdeshi, the AAA administers around $170,000 in scholarships annually to help aspiring pilots begin or advance their flight training. The association's strength lies in its network of experienced volunteer mentors, including retired pilots and aviation educators, who provide guidance and support to the next generation of aviators.

Why it matters

In an industry where the cost of training can be a significant barrier, the AAA's community-driven approach provides aspiring pilots with valuable knowledge, resources, and a supportive network to help them navigate their aviation journey. By partnering with organizations that aim to increase diversity in the field, the AAA is also working to make aviation more accessible to underrepresented groups.

The details

The AAA was founded in the mid-1980s by a small group of pilots who wanted to support the Auburn Municipal Airport. Over time, the association has grown into a hub for mentorship, scholarships, and pilot development. Under the leadership of President Nebil Almakdeshi, the AAA now administers roughly $170,000 in scholarships each year through its own programs and partnerships with aviation organizations. These scholarships help aspiring pilots begin flight training or continue advancing through certificates and ratings. The association's strength lies in its network of experienced volunteer mentors, including retired United Airlines captain Ted Styles, designated pilot examiner Carol Zerbe, aviation educator Juan Brown, airport manager Ty Richardson, scholarship director Don Wolf, and instructors like Don Bradly, who provide guidance and support to the next generation of aviators.

  • The Auburn Aviation Association was founded in the mid-1980s.
  • Nebil Almakdeshi became the president of the AAA in recent years.

The players

Nebil Almakdeshi

The current president of the Auburn Aviation Association, who is committed to highlighting the community's mentors and volunteers.

Ted Styles

A retired United Airlines captain who helps students understand how professional pilots think about procedures and decision making.

Carol Zerbe

A designated pilot examiner who previously flew bush operations in Alaska and shares insights from years of backcountry flying and mountain operations.

Juan Brown

An aviation educator who is part of the AAA's network of volunteer mentors.

Ty Richardson

The manager of the Auburn Municipal Airport, who is involved with the AAA.

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What they’re saying

“The best thing about being the president, the spotlight is not on me. I can take that spotlight and say, hey, just look at this person, what they're doing.”

— Nebil Almakdeshi, President, Auburn Aviation Association

“How are we helping that cost of aviation to get people in? With the knowledge on the ground of the community that we have, the people that have done it before. You're going to learn a lot. Not only from your school, but from the senior mentors and the mentors around you.”

— Nebil Almakdeshi, President, Auburn Aviation Association

What’s next

The Auburn Aviation Association plans to expand its reach through new partnerships and targeted outreach to organizations that work to broaden participation in aviation, such as the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and the Latino Professionals in Aerospace.

The takeaway

The Auburn Aviation Association's community-driven approach, with its focus on mentorship, scholarships, and volunteer-led initiatives, serves as a model for how general aviation hubs can foster a supportive and inclusive environment for aspiring pilots, helping to overcome the financial and other barriers to entering the field.