Chapter 186 has been approved by EAA to grant an $11,000 Ray Aviation Foundation Scholarship for 2024. This is the 6th consecutive year we have been approved. We are searching for an aviation- motivated 161⁄2 to 19 year-old with an interest in learning to fly. We look at a candidate’s motivation, participation level in Chapter activities, level of completion in the Sporty’s Learn-to-Fly video series, participation in Young Eagles flights and Oshkosh Air Academy and any accomplishments toward flight training preparation. Possession of an FAA medical certificate is required for scholarship consideration.
The Ray Scholarship pays $11,000 toward the flight training costs of obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate. It is paid in three installments: $4,400 initially, $4,400 after first solo and $2,200 after written exam completion. The required milestones are:
- First solo flight within three months,
- Pass the private pilot written exam within six months,
- Pass the Private Pilot check ride within one year of receiving the initial funds. The EAA asks for two hours per month of volunteer time at the chapter during training.
Chapter 186 would like to hear from anyone that would like to be considered for this opportunity. Better flying weather is coming! Do you want to spend your summer playing video games and sitting at the pool? Or would you rather study aviation weather, navigation and airplane systems and take flying lessons? We are looking for candidates that will commit to spending their free time toward learning to fly. The EAA recommends 3 to 4 flight lessons per week. Only one flying lesson per week makes progressing through the lessons difficult. Note that if you have already soloed, this scholarship does not pay for that milestone already reached. Selection of a flight school is left to the parents and scholar.
Interested candidates are invited to send an email to president@eaa186.org with the following information:
1. Name, birthdate
2. How many Young Eagles flights have you taken?
3. Have you completed the Sporty’s Learn to Fly course? If not, what volumes have you completed? What other ground school preparation have you completed?
4. What is the date on your FAA Aviation Medical Certificate?
5. Have you passed the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge (“the written”) exam?
6. Describe any flight training you have received. 7. Have you soloed?
8. Have you attended the EAA Air Academy? If so, when?
9. The summer season is a great time to get started on flight training. How much time will you commit per week during the 2024 summer break?
10. Completing private pilot training in one summer is quite unlikely, so the training will most likely continue into the ensuing school year. How much time will you commit per week during the 2024/2025 school year?
11. Private Pilot Training costs in the area usually exceed $11,000. What means will you use to pay the excess over $11,000?
12. Have you looked into any local flight schools yet?
13. A parent/guardian email address and phone number are required for applicants under 18.
Chapter 186 Young Eagles Coordinators
David Richards
Bob Prange
