Expanding Aviation Dreams in Glynn County: Wings of Grace Ministries Receives

A new $40,000 grant from the Golden Isles Development Authority is set to take aviation workforce training in Glynn County to new heights. Announced today at the graduation ceremony for 13 students from Wings of Grace Ministries’ Wings MX Aviation Maintenance Technician program, the grant will provide crucial support for expanding aviation education opportunities in Brunswick.

Funded by Georgia Power, this investment is a game-changer for aspiring aviation professionals, lowering financial barriers and opening doors to high-demand careers in aerospace. With the additional funding, Wings of Grace Ministries will move into a larger training facility at the Old Manning FBO building at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, more than doubling its space to 12,000 square feet. This expansion will allow even more students to access free or low-cost aviation training, helping meet the growing demand for skilled aviation workers.

Strengthening the Aviation Workforce Pipeline

“Aviation plays a vital role in our regional economy, and this investment is a critical step in building a sustainable workforce pipeline for Glynn County’s aviation industry,” said Ryan Moore, President & CEO of the Golden Isles Development Authority, who delivered the commencement address at the Wings of Grace Aviation Training Center. “By partnering with Wings of Grace, we are removing financial barriers and creating direct career pathways for students to enter high-demand jobs in aerospace.”

Graduates of the Wings MX Aviation Maintenance Technician program leave with hands-on experience in aircraft inspections, engine systems, corrosion removal, and safety certifications, positioning them for employment at top aviation companies like Gulfstream.

Beyond maintenance training, Wings of Grace’s teen aviation program introduces local 8th and 9th graders to flight education, aerodynamics, and regulatory procedures, using the latest industry materials to help prepare students for their private pilot’s license.

Creating More Opportunities for Aspiring Aviators

“With this grant, we will be able to offer more students a direct path to aviation careers, whether as pilots or maintenance technicians,” said Damon Whitlow, Director of Wings of Grace Ministries. “Many of our students would not have the financial means to pursue these jobs without programs like ours, and this grant ensures we can continue growing and serving more people in our community.”

Wings of Grace has long been a pillar of aviation education in the Golden Isles, offering mentorship, internships, and hands-on training to prepare students for rewarding careers in aerospace. Their success stories include graduates who have gone on to become commercial pilots, aviation mechanics, and other industry professionals.

The Golden Isles Development Authority’s investment in aviation workforce development aligns with broader regional efforts to attract aerospace businesses and create high-paying job opportunities in Glynn County.

With demand for aviation professionals soaring, this grant ensures that more students in the Golden Isles can pursue their dreams of flight and aviation careers—without financial obstacles holding them back.