Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) was founded on November 22, 1980, by Julius J. Alexander. The idea of ACE came about after Mr. Alexander faced discrimination in the late 1960’s when he was denied the opportunity to become an airline pilot due to his race. He knew that he wanted to impact the lives of young people and empower future generations of pilots and other aviation professionals. Julius also felt he was fulfilling God’s purpose for his life by sharing his passion for aviation and giving back to the community.

Mr. Alexander was a former Atlanta Public Schools High School Teacher, Television Newsman, Publicist for Lockheed Martin Aerospace, and a published aviation writer. Additionally, he held flight and ground instructor certifications in single and multi-engine airplanes. Julius Alexander logged over 13,000 flight hours teaching primary, advanced, and instrument training. He trained over 200 pilots through their 1st solo. Forty of his former students, and/or alumni of ACE, are current or retired Captains and First Officers at several major airlines. Captain Patrick Alexander, his son, serves as President and CEO of ACE. Others serve in the military and various aviation careers. Throughout his life, Mr. Alexander received numerous awards and accolades, with one of the highest honors being inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in April 2011.

The mission of ACE is to “Mold Protégés into Professionals” by exposing youth ages 9-18 to aviation careers through flight training, ground school, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on experience. For students between the ages of 15-18, ACE offers flight training towards a Private Pilot’s Certificate and other advanced FAA Certificates. ACE operates each Saturday from September through May. ACE is based at Atlanta Fulton County Airport-Brown Field. The organization is supported by a volunteer staff of FAA-certified pilots, mechanics, flight and ground instructors. Some of the ACE volunteers are themselves graduates of the ACE Weekend Academy. Character building and leadership development are important to ACE’s philosophy.

As ACE celebrates its 45th year, it has grown to three classes in double sessions each Saturday with a waitlist of over 300 students. ACE operates a fleet of 7 airplanes, with its newest airplane being an all-glass Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). ACE has also provided training and aerospace activities for its students through affiliations with aviation corporations and aviation camps sponsored by other youth organizations.

ACE is a 501(c)(3) organization and is supported through gifts and grants from foundations, companies, former students, sustaining sponsors, and a nominal tuition from its students through aviators.

On September 11, 2024, our ACE founder, Julius Alexander, passed peacefully in his sleep at home while in the care of his loving family. We will never forget the sacrifices and significant impact that he made on so many lives and the positive changes that he made to the Aviation Industry. We will always honor Julius Alexander and will continue to work tirelessly to continue his legacy.