Aviation Program Receives $100K donation from Lewes couple

A retired United Airlines pilot and his wife has translated their admiration of Delaware State University’s Aviation Program into a $100,000 personal donation in support of the flight training.

Bob and Karen Fischer of Lewes, Del., presented University President Tony Allen with the $100K check during a luncheon in their honor at the University on June 22.

Mr. Fischer is a retired 34-year pilot who flew 24 years for United Airlines and 10 years for the now-defunct Pan Am Airlines. Mrs. Fischer is a retired employee benefits manager for Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Northern Delaware.

The money has been donated for the general overall support of the Aviation’s Program’s needs, which will include:

Assisting the Program’s initial Certified Flight Instructor students with their check ride fees.

The installation of new cubicles at the Aviation Program’s section at the Delaware Airpark.

The painting of the inside of the terminal building where the University does maintenance on its planes.

The Fischer gift is the largest cash donation in the 36-year history of the University’s Aviation Program.

The Fischers were introduced to the Aviation Program and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Hales, its director,  by Hans Riegle, a University alumnus, a former Aviation Program flight instructor, and a current United Airlines pilot.