Let’s Take ’em Flyin’

Embark on a journey with retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel Bill Powley as he recounts his 23-year career.

A seasoned fighter pilot, flight instructor, and test pilot, Powley’s memoir takes you through his time at the Air Force Academy, highlighting his unwavering dedication to aviation safety and flight instruction. His impact extends beyond military service, with the establishment of the FLIGHT Foundation, showcasing his enduring legacy. This memoir offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of a life devoted to aviation excellence.

＂Let’s Take ’em Flyin’＂ serves as both a tribute to those in the clouds and an inspiration for aspiring aviators. It provides a glimpse into the nation’s top high school Aerospace Science Program, all through Powley’s remarkable journey.

Powley graduated from the Air Force Academy and served more than 23 years as a fighter pilot, flight instructor, and test pilot, including two tours in Vietnam flying 347 missions in the F-4 and A-7. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1991, Powley continued to share his passion for aviation by volunteering his time to train pilots. He founded FLIGHT Foundation (Flight Lesson Instructional Grants Helping Teens) and has personally raised over ＄1.9 million. He has flown almost 12,000 students on more than 4,000 discovery flights, most of which were free.