Single Father and Flight Instructor Awarded $2,500 Sporty's Scholarship

Minnesotan is pursuing multiengine ratings essential for his long-term goal of piloting medical flights.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 01:01 PM ET

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Meg Godlewski

Sporty’s scholarship winner Gabriel Kesler [Credit: Sporty’s Pilot Shop].

Key Takeaways:

Gabriel Kesler, a newly certified flight instructor and single father, was awarded the $2,500 Sporty’s Pilot Shop Pilot Training+ Scholarship.
Kesler plans to use the scholarship to obtain his multiengine and multiengine instructor ratings, which are vital for his career progression, including his goal of piloting medical flights.
After a career in healthcare, Kesler fully committed to aviation in 2023, earning multiple pilot certifications and becoming an instructor, frequently utilizing Sporty's training resources.
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership offers three $2,500 scholarships annually, with Kesler's award being the 22nd scholarship granted through the program.

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One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing a career in aviation is balancing the cost of training with family responsibilities. That task just became a little bit easier for Gabriel Kesler, the latest recipient of the Sporty’s Pilot Shop $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship.

Kesler, who resides in Minnesota, is a newly certified flight instructor and single father of two little sons. He plans to use the scholarship to obtain his multiengine and multiengine instructor ratings.