Ray Aviation Scholarship Opportunity

EAA Chapter 509 has been selected to award a Ray Aviation Scholarship, providing a unique opportunity for a motivated member to pursue flight training and work toward becoming a pilot.

Through this program, EAA Chapter 509 will award $12,000 to one recipient to support flight training.

**What is the Ray Aviation Scholarship**

The Ray Aviation Scholarship, funded by the Ray Foundation and administered through the Experimental Aircraft Association, is designed to support young people in achieving their goal of becoming a pilot.
Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $2,250,000 in annual scholarship funding.
This scholarship provides funding for flight training and is paired with mentorship and support from the local EAA chapter throughout the process.
Being selected to offer a Ray Scholarship reflects EAA Chapter 509’s commitment to youth development, aviation education, and mentorship.

**What the Scholarship Provides**

The Ray Aviation Scholarship is intended to help a student pilot complete flight training and work toward earning a private pilot certificate. EAA Chapter 509 will award $12,000 to one recipient to support these training efforts.
*In the event the scholarship does not cover the full training costs, the scholar or parent/guardian will be responsible for additional costs that exceed the $12,000 scholarship award.
**Support includes:**
Funding toward flight training expenses
Guidance and mentorship from chapter members
Support throughout the training process
Connection to a broader aviation community

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Ray Aviation Scholarship, applicants must:

Be age 16–19 for powered flight training
Possess a student pilot certificate
Possess a valid FAA or Transport Canada medical certificate
Be able to begin flight training within 60 days of the scholarship start date

Our chapter can provide guidance and recommendations to help applicants complete these requirements.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is intended for motivated individuals who are serious about pursuing aviation and committed to completing flight training.

Applicants should demonstrate:

A strong interest in aviation
Responsibility and follow through
Willingness to engage with mentors and chapter activities
Commitment to completing training

Expectations

Earning a Ray Aviation Scholarship comes with a high level of responsibility. This is a significant, once in a lifetime opportunity, and selected scholars are expected to demonstrate commitment, accountability, and active engagement.

Scholarship recipients are expected to:

Actively pursue flight training and maintain consistent progress
Complete two or more hours of chapter volunteer service each month
Submit regular progress reports on flight training and volunteer service
Stay engaged with EAA Chapter 509 and its programs

Training Milestones

Scholars are expected to meet the following training milestones:

Complete first solo within three months
Complete the written exam within six months
Pass the checkride within 12 months

This scholarship represents both a financial investment and a mentorship opportunity, and recipients are expected to take full advantage of both.

Funding is dependent upon completion of meeting training milestones and submitting progress reports in a timely manner. Failure to meet milestone deadlines may result in the discontinuance of the award and money owed.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the Ray Aviation Scholarship, we encourage you to start by reaching out to our scholarship coordinator at connect@eaachapter509.com.

The coordinator can answer questions and may meet with the student, parents, and potentially a certified flight instructor to discuss expectations and help guide next steps.