Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) was founded on November 22, 1980 by Julius J. Alexander. The idea of ACE came about after Mr. Alexander was denied the opportunity to become an airline pilot because of his race, in the late 1960’s. 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. He was also a flight and ground instructor with 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 first solo flight. Forty of his former students, and/or, Alumni of ACE are current or retired Captains and First Officers at several of the major airlines. Others serve in the military and various aviation careers. Of those airline Captains, one is his son, Patrick Alexander, who now serves as the President and CEO of ACE. During his life, Julius 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 assisted 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. A key ingredient in the ACE philosophy is character building and leadership development.

ACE will celebrate its 45th year and as it has evolved, it has grown to four classes in double sessions each Saturday with a waitlist of over 300 applicants. There is a fleet of 7 airplanes with our newest one 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.

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 work tirelessly to continue his legacy.