The aviation community is mourning the loss of a visionary leader and a dedicated mentor. Chris Hosford, the founder of CHI Aerospace, passed away on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.
Chris was more than just a founder; he was a man driven by a profound passion for flight and an unwavering commitment to the people within the industry. He established CHI Aerospace with a singular, transformative vision: to create a community where aviation was not just a pursuit for the few, but an accessible dream for many. Through his leadership, CHI grew from a personal passion project into a thriving community defined by mentorship and shared opportunity.
At the heart of Chris’s mission was the belief that talent and passion should never be sidelined by a lack of access. He dedicated much of his life to opening doors for aspiring aviators who might otherwise have faced insurmountable barriers to entry. His dedication shaped the very culture of CHI Aerospace, fostering an environment of support, growth, and excellence.
As CHI Aerospace transitions into its next chapter as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring Chris’s life work. His legacy will serve as the North Star, guiding the organization as it continues to serve the aviation community.
To honor Chris’s lifelong dedication to accessibility, his family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the **Chris Hosford Scholarship Fund**. This fund is designed to carry his mission forward, providing much-needed financial support to students pursuing flight training and helping the next generation of pilots reach the skies.
Further details regarding memorial services and information on how to contribute to the scholarship fund will be shared in the coming days.
