Congratulations to Colton Russell our newest Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient!

Colton Russell our newest Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient with CFI Ryan Kuse. First flight lesson!

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Hunter Collins was awarded the 2023 Ray Aviation Scholarship at the April gathering.  This is an $11,000 scholarship.  Hunter recently passed his written test for his private pilot certificate.  He also volunteers his time helping with chapter airplane builds/restorations.  He is currently helping to work on the engine for the J5 Cub project under the direction of chapter technical advisor, Jeff Scott. Congratulation, Hunter!

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Else Rose received the news at EAA AirVenture 2022 that she’s been chosen as our next Ray Scholarship recipient. Sean Tucker and Jimmy Graham Co-Chairmen of the Young Eagles made the announcement with David Leiting with EAA. We think we kept the secret and surprised her and the many chapter members present! Thank you to the Ray Foundation for giving us the opportunity to award another EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship to a very deserving young lady.

Congratulations to Elsie Rose for being awarded this $10,000 Ray Foundation flight training scholarship. She is a very deserving young lady. She will continue to make us all proud!  Pictured: John Bailey, Treasurer, Tom Young, Vice-President, Else Rose, Ray Scholarship recipient, Tom White, President, Phyllis White, Secretary,  Brent Humphreys, Ray Scholarship Coordinator. Absent was our Member-At-Large, Benny Butler.

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Garrett Cinch Liggett awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship at EAA 1218's November Meeting. Congratulations to Cinch for receiving the Ray Aviation Scholarship to finish his private pilot certificate.  EAA Chapter 1218 is very proud of you! 

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David Hines has been selected as an EAA Ray Aviation Foundation Scholar for 2021. 

David was presented with his scholarship at the EAA Chapter 1218 Fly-In, Camp-out event in June. 

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Chase Garrison has been awarded the 2020 Ray Aviation Scholarship.

Chapter 1218 is proud to sponsor Chase Garrison as our 2020 Ray Aviation Scholar.  Chase is shown here with members of the EAA 1218 executive committee.

Case posed with his flight instructor after his solo flight.

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Trent McBride is the first 2019 Ray Aviation Scholarship Private Pilot 

July 3, 2019 - Trent McBride of EAA Chapter 1218 in Willow Springs, Missouri, has passed his private pilot checkride, becoming the first of the Ray scholars to accomplish that goal. 
"The support from EAA Chapter 1218 and the local aviation community to help Trent achieve his first step in pursuing a career as a professional pilot is what the Ray Aviation Scholars program is all about, and is a true testament to EAA's commitment to growing participation in aviation," EAA Chapter Field Representative II David Leiting said. "Trent conducted his flight training with the Ozark Aviators Flying Club, a club formed by the members of EAA Chapter 1218. To have the first Ray scholar to complete their flight training follow this pathway is outstanding, and should be a model for other chapters to follow."
Trent was awarded his EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship in March and has been working toward his certificate under the instruction of Mike Ennis and James Ennis. Trent graduated high school this spring and will be pursuing a career in aviation while attending College of the Ozarks and playing basketball. 
Chapter President Tom White said Trent's rapid progression through his training was facilitated by a strong work ethic and support from family, his mentor (Glenda Ennis), and Chapter 1218 members. Trent accomplished his solo flight on April 26, the FAA knowledge test on June 14, and his practical test on June 27

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Trent shown with one of his flight instructors, Mike Ennis, in the Ozark Aviators Club 172.