$5,000 first place and $2,500 second place awards for pilots up to age 24
Air Facts is now accepting entries for the eighth annual Richard L. Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots, an annual writing contest designed to encourage the next generation of aviators to share their stories.
The Richard Collins family again has partnered with Sporty’s to present this prestigious award, which recognizes outstanding aviation writing by pilots age 24 and younger, including student pilots. Eligible submissions must be original, unpublished, and no longer than 1,500 words. This year’s theme remains a favorite: “My Most Memorable Flight.”
Two cash prizes will be awarded: $5,000 for first place and $2,500 for second place. Both winning articles will be published in Air Facts, the publication founded in 1938 by Richard’s father, Leighton Collins, and relaunched by Sporty’s in 2011 as a modern, online journal. Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges: Richard Collins, Jr., Amy Laboda, and J. Mac McClellan.
“Each year, we’re impressed by the depth, honesty, and insight young pilots bring to this contest,” said Sporty’s President & CEO John Zimmerman. “The Collins Writing Prize continues to be a meaningful way to honor Richard’s legacy while giving young aviators a platform to develop their voice.”
Submissions are being accepted now through February 28, 2026, and should be emailed as an attached Word document to AirFacts@Sportys.com. Authors also are asked to include a brief biography of approximately 100 words. The winners will be announced in March.
For more information and to read last year’s winning entries, visit AirFactsJournal.com.
