Ray Aviation Scholarship
Chapter 186 has been approved by EAA to grant a $12,000 Ray Aviation Foundation Scholarship for 2025. This is the 7th 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 $12,000 toward the flight training costs of obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate. Note that total costs will exceed $12,000. 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. 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 aviationweather, 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:
2025 Ray Scholarship Questionnaire
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) An FAA Aviation Medical Certificate (minimum required is Third Class) is required now to progress in the process for scholarship consideration. 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 2025 summer break?
10) Completing private pilot training in one summer is quite unlikely, so the training will most likely continue into the next school year. How much time will you commit per week during the 2025/2026 school year?
11) Private Pilot Training costs in the area usually exceed $12,000. What means will you use to pay the excess over $12,000?
12) Have you looked into any local flight schools yet?
13) Please provide a parent/guardian name, email address and phone number for applicants under 18.
