A “Flight Lesson Instructional Grants Helping Teens” (FLIGHT) Foundation has been established in East Tennessee for High School Junior ROTC programs. The non-profit chartered foundation was formed to provide funding to ensure the continuance of an already proven and established aerospace education program in Air Force Junior ROTC at Unicoi County High School. In 2001 the program moved to Sullivan County and has flown students from many schools in Upper East Tennessee.

Since April 1992 (thru Mar 09), 1168 flights with 3181 students/passengers for orientation flights have been made, most by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bill Powley, a former F-4, A-7, F-16 fighter pilot and Vietnam veteran, and all sponsored by grants/donations.

In 1999, the foundation received a NASA grant and since 2000 a grant from the Tennessee Aeronautics Division each year. This grant money is used along with matching funds from local, regional, and national donations to sponsor the flight program. Since September 1996, 77 students have earned their solo wings (from nine different high schools and one college) and since 2002 two students have received their private pilot's license. In June 1998, the first solo cadet went to the Air Force Academy (USAFA). In June 2001 a second solo pilot went to the Academy. In 2004, Sullivan South sent their first cadet (also a solo student) to USAFA. Two solo students have graduated from the flight program at Middle Tennessee State University and a third is enrolled.

The foundation is also set up to teach aviation ground school, provide simulator training, and worthwhile activities for teenagers such as drill and color guard competitions, orientering , academic and physical fitness competitions, leadership skills, etc. With emphasis needed on math and science skills, character education, discipline, leadership, team building, and motivation, this program provides an excellent opportunity to accomplish all of these goals as well as provide the basis for future careers in aviation and service to our country in the Armed Forces. For further information, contact the foundation at the address below or Sullivan South High School/AFJROTC, 1236 Moreland Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664, phone (423) 354-1347.