EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Program Celebrates Milestone of 500 Licensed Private Pilots

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) proudly announced that its EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has reached a significant milestone, with 500 young aviators successfully completing flight training and earning their private pilot certificates. This achievement is made possible through the generous funding from the Ray Foundation, which has committed $1.8 million this year to support the aspiring pilots.

The Ray Foundation, established by philanthropists James C. and Joan L. Ray, collaborates with EAA and its extensive chapter network to offer scholarships up to $11,000. These scholarships are designed to help cover the significant costs associated with flight training, making aviation careers more accessible to deserving youth.

Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, highlighted the critical role of financial support in achieving pilot licenses. “Many aspiring pilots fall short of their goal due to the cost of flight training. Through our partnership with the Ray Foundation, we alleviate some of the financial burdens and make the dream of becoming a pilot more attainable for future generations,” Larsen said. He also emphasized the success of the program, noting the high completion rate of scholarship recipients as a testament to the supportive environment fostered by EAA chapters.

In recognition of each student’s progress, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation partners with EAA to present a Zulu 3 headset to scholars when they complete their first solo flight. If the student has already soloed prior to receiving the Ray Aviation Scholarship, they receive the headset upon passing their written exam. This gesture not only celebrates their achievements but also encourages them to continue pursuing their aviation goals.

The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program continues to empower young individuals by providing them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their aviation aspirations, contributing positively to the aviation community and ensuring a steady influx of new talent into the industry.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avweb.com