FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA April 16, 2026
Jodie Gawthrop is the 2026 recipient of the Women In Aviation International (WAI) Martha King Scholarship for a Female Flight Instructor. The scholarship provides $5,000 cash to support a woman pursuing her initial flight instructor (CFI) certificate, or any add-on rating, along with lifetime access to the entire library of King Schools training courses and biennial Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCS), a total value of over $20,000.
Jodie’s aviation journey was initiated with curiosity. It began as a simple question, “why?” when faced with mechanical issues during flight training. That curiosity was followed up with determination and commitment and ultimately led to her becoming both a pilot and an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization.
“Flying is more gratifying with an understanding of how every nut and bolt fits together on that airplane,” said Gawthrop.
Her career has spanned roles from the FBO line and front desk to a Citation maintenance shop and the classroom as an aviation maintenance instructor. Today, she works at TxJet in Indiana, where she helps maintain a fleet of jets that transport lifesaving organs—work that underscores the real-world impact of aviation.
After earning her private pilot certificate, Jodie pursued maintenance training before returning to the cockpit to advance her flying credentials. While working full-time, she earned her instrument rating along with commercial single- and multi-engine certificates. With the support of the Martha King Scholarship, she has now achieved her goal of becoming a flight instructor, passing her CFI checkride during the week of the 2026 WAI Conference in Dallas.
“I am on cloud nine since receiving the scholarship and immediately dove into CFI training, enjoying every minute of it,” Gawthrop said. “The possibilities are limitless with a flight instructor certificate, and I’m excited to support others in discovering aviation from new perspectives. I had so much fun meeting John & Martha at the WAI Conference in March. I’ve taken so many of their courses. To see them live and in person was a hoot!”
“My goal in aviation has always been to fly what I fix, and fix what I fly,” she said. “This scholarship is helping to support me in achieving that dream and contribute all I can to general aviation.”
The Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors is awarded annually to a woman who demonstrates exceptional dedication to aviation, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to expanding opportunities within the industry.
“Martha has long been an advocate for women in aviation, and Jodie exemplifies the spirit of this scholarship,” said John King, Co-Chairman with Martha of King Schools. “Jodie’s unique combination of technical expertise, teaching experience, and enthusiasm for aviation will make her an outstanding flight instructor and mentor to others.”
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