About Us
The Long Island Young Aviators Club is a US nonprofit organization in the Bahamas that helps young people explore and pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
Through aviation education, flight simulation, mentorship, career counseling, introductory flight experiences, and drone technology training, the club provides students with opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to access in a small island community.
Making an Impact Across the Bahamas
Our program is already helping young people achieve remarkable success. Club alumni and members have gone on to study at prestigious institutions, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Middle Tennessee State University, while others are pursuing professional pilot training and earning their Private Pilot Licenses through flight schools. More than 50 Bahamian students have experienced the thrill of flight through our Young Eagles program. The club proudly operates Long Island's first high school drone training program, preparing students for emerging opportunities in aviation technology and unmanned aircraft systems.
What makes the organization unique is that it does far more than teach students about aviation. It creates a pathway from curiosity to career by connecting young Bahamians with universities, flight schools, scholarships, and industry mentors. The club has already helped students enroll at major aviation universities, earn Private Pilot Licenses, and gain hands-on experience with both aircraft and drone technology.
By opening doors to aviation education and career pathways, the Long Island Young Aviators Club is helping Bahamian youth reach new heights and become the next generation of aviation leaders.
By opening doors to aviation education and career pathways, the Long Island Young Aviators Club is helping Bahamian youth reach new heights and become the next generation of aviation leaders.
Founder and Managing Director
Captain John R. Bone
Captain John R. Bone is a retired Delta Air Lines Boeing 777 Captain, FAA Certified Flight Instructor, lifelong pilot, aircraft mechanic, aviation educator, and founder of the Long Island Young Aviators Club. He is the recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing more than 50 years of professionalism, aviation service, and operational excellence.
His vision is to create life-changing aviation opportunities for Bahamian students and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.