It is that time of year again, so I will dedicate this month’s column to explain the Ray Scholarship process. Chapter 186 has applied to EAA to grant a 2024 Ray Aviation Foundation Flight Training Scholarship. Oshkosh will announce chapter selections in February. If approved we will ask 16 ½ to 19 year olds with an interest in learning to fly to respond to a questionnaire addressing their interest in aviation, chapter participation level, level of completion in the Sporty’s Learn-to-Fly video series, participation in Young Eagles flights and Oshkosh Air Academy and accomplishments toward flight training preparation. Since the scholarship requires certain progress milestones, we look for a scholar candidate with a strong commitment to spend the summer accomplishing their first solo flight before school resumes in August and a strong commitment to continue an intense pace of flight training once the school year resumes. The EAA recommends 3 to 4 flight lessons per week. Only one flying lesson per week makes progressing through the lessons difficult. Look for more information soon once chapter selections are announced by EAA Headquarters.
The Ray Scholarship pays $11,000 toward the flight training costs of obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate. It is paid in three installments: initial, after first solo and 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.
An FAA medical certificate is required to be considered for the scholarship. The EAA asks for two hours per month of volunteer time at the chapter during training. Selection of a flight school is left to the parents and scholar.
The EAA selects a chapter to grant a Ray Scholarship based on the overall activity and accomplishments of that chapter. We have been selected annually since 2019 because our membership keeps Chapter 186 thriving through many various programs. Thank you to the chapter members for participating so that we may give out another $11,000 scholarship.
Bob Prange, President, EAA 186
