By the end of February, we will hear from EAA if we get to award a Ray Foundation Flight Training Scholarship again for the eighth year in a row. Chapter 186 has helped create a new Private Pilot each year since the program began in 2019. The Ray Scholarship now pays up to $12,000 for a scholar working on the Private Pilot- Airplane certificate. It can be given instead for a Sport Pilot certificate ($9,000) or a Glider certificate ($6,000) but we have always preferred to award the largest amount. The program is intensive, requiring the scholar
to commit to completing flight training from beginning to checkride in one year. EAA gives the chapter an initial payment of $4,800. We reimburse the scholar monthly for training expenses incurred. A second payment of $4,800 is made to the chapter once the scholar soloes within four months of commencing training. The last payment to the chapter is $2,400, made once the scholar passes the PP written within six months of commencing training. A couple of our past scholars had already soloed prior to applying for the scholarship. In that event, EAA pays the initial $4,800 but does not pay the second $4,800 since they do not reimburse past achievements. The next and last payment is $2,400 for completion of the PP written for a total of $7,200.
It is important to note that we cannot consider any scholar hopeful without a current FAA Medical Certificate. It does not suffice to merely plan to get an FAA Medical if chosen as a scholar. EAA will not allow us to put forth a scholar for their consideration if he or she does not already have a medical (minimum of a FAA Third Class certificate).
A Ray Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving 161⁄2 to 19 year old that demonstrates a passion for aviation and is eager to obtain a license as a Private Pilot and also demonstrates the determination and commitment to follow the program to completion. Consideration will be given to Young Eagles participation, EAA student membership, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course accomplishments, any previous flight training and ground school classes. EAA also requires that the scholar commits to volunteering two hours of chapter volunteer service per month such as at Young Eagles rallies, member gatherings and cookouts.
The scholar and parents will select the flight school of their choice. That process should include investigating the local flight schools and determining which school best meets their needs. Talking to each school’s chief pilot and instructors can help in that decision. Flight training takes more time and money when the student changes to a different school. Parents should be aware that the total cost of learning to fly will undoubtedly exceed the $12,000 provided by the scholarship. Feel free to email me at rsp10000@aol.com with any questions about the Ray Scholarship.
Please note in the calendar we have the Women Can Fly event on June 6. This is not a Chapter 186 event; it is sponsored by the Ninety-Nines. For the past several years chapter member Ralph Hoover has managed the “Women Can Build” tables. Participants learn to measure, drill, debur and rivet and end up with an aluminum cell phone charging stand. Volunteers are needed to help guide the participants through the steps. No experience is necessary. We should provide several helpers to make this a productive and fun experience for possible new aircraft builders.
Blue Skies,
Bob