After receiving his private pilot’s license at only 17 years of age, Andy Hughes began his aviation career in 1982 in Indianapolis. His commercial airline career led him to St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Dallas-Fort Worth before bringing him to Phoenix in 2000.
Andy loved the community of his fellow pilots. He labored to encourage their development, protect their interest, and represent their sentiment. Andy was a driving force in pilot representation. He helped organize ALPA at Air Midwest Airlines where he served as Master Executive Council Vice and Chairman, as well as many other roles. Upon the merger with the group of airlines under Mesa organization, Andy was a key figure in achieving a common working agreement for all the pilots. Heading up
the difficult task of merging the pilot groups, Andy was a unifying force insisting that all pilots share the rewards of the Airline with no restrictions that have been common at other carriers.
Prior to his death, Andy asked friends and family to form this scholarship in his honor, so he could continue to advocate and support pilots.