Eligibility Requirements
Local candidates must meet the following criteria
- Age 15-19 years old for glider training and 16-19 years old for Private Pilot/Sport Pilot flight training
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Received at least one EAA Young Eagles flight
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Possess a student pilot certificate
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Possess at least a 3rd class medical certificate (Private Pilot students only)
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Able to begin their flight training within 30 days of scholarship start date
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A 500 word typed essay, using the prompts in the nomination form below
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Participate in an interview with the scholarship committee
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Able to partake in a minimum of 2 hours of chapter volunteer service per month as well as submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
- Meet the designated flight training milestones as outlined below:
- 3 months to first solo flight (if applicable)
- 6 months to pass the written exam (if applicable)
- 12 months to pass the checkride
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are:
- Actively participating in the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
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Member of EAA National and EAA 932
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Part of the Galt Airport community, i.e. participating member/ volunteer of EAA Chapter 932, Young Aviators, etc.
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Students who have already started flight training or have completed the FAA Knowledge Exam (written test)
Scholarship Awards
- Glider = $6000
- Sport Pilot = $9000
- Private Pilot = $12,000
General information for nominating a candidate:
- Nominees may be at any stage of flight training (i.e. pre- or post-initial solo). The award will be prorated based on logbook hours and current progress in training as determined by the scholarship committee.
• Pre-solo student pilots are eligible for the full scholarship,
• If first solo flight has been completed, then eligible for 60% of award
- The scholarship funds may only be used for Private Pilot, Sport Pilot or Glider flight training and instruction fees.The scholarship funds may not be used for other needs such as pilot supplies, headsets, etc.
- The Ray Aviation Scholarship is an "earned" award. Funds will be disbursed as milestones are met. The full scholarship is disbursed in 3 installments (1 or 2 installments for a prorated award).
• 1st disbursement - flights up to first solo.
• 2nd disbursement - after completion of first solo
• 3rd disbursement - after completion of FAA Knowledge Exam (written test).
- The recipient must begin flight training within 30 days of approval by EAA National. The "Start Date" is the last calendar day of the month in which scholar was approved. Scholar must complete flight training (i.e. pass the check ride) within 12 months of the Start Date. The scholarship funds will be available for the recipient to use for a total time of 12 months beginning on the Start Date and ending 12 months later.
- After earning a pilot certificate within 12 months, up to $1500 in remaining funds may be used for additional flying and training.
The Process
- EAA Chapter 932’s Scholarship Committee will evaluate each nominee. After reviewing all nomination forms, the scholarship coordinator will schedule interviews with the nominees and the scholarship committee. For nominees under the age of 18, a parent/ guardian may be present.
- After each nominee has been interviewed, the scholarship committee will select a winning candidate using a rubric-based point system. The nominee with the highest score will be the scholarship candidate.
- All nominees will be notified of the committee’s decision by phone.
- After the selected candidate accepts and agrees to the Ray Scholarship expectations as outlined by the EAA, the 932 scholarship coordinator will assist the candidate in the submission of the formal application to EAA National.
- Once approved, the scholarship recipient will be given a “start date” and may begin flight training immediately, but no later than 30 days from that date.
- Nominees not selected in a given year will be considered the following year, if eligibility requirements are still met.