EAA Chapter 1345 Ray Aviation Scholarship announcement.
EAA chapter 1345 based in Bend, Oregon has been awarded TWO Ray Scholarships from EAA and the Ray foundation for 2024. The chapter is seeking high potential young aviators for this year’s scholarship opportunity. Ideal candidates have a strong interest in flying and aviation. Our chapter has successfully mentored two scholars to their PPL and two more are in progress.
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapter network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $11,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses. Last year the foundation and EAA awarded over $1,800,000 in scholarship funding.
A scholarship recipient would start flight training in early 2024 under either 14 CFR part 61 or part 141. Scholarship dollars are awarded in stages with the first stage being scholarship award. The second on achieving first solo and the third on passing the FAA written test. The scholarship has a requirement that the candidate complete their flight training within 12 months from award.
Local candidates must be able to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of age 15 for glider training
- Age 16-19 for powered flight training
- Possession of a student pilot certificate
- Possession of FAA medical certificate (private pilot students)
- Be able to begin their flight training within 60 days of receiving the award
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are former Young Eagles, EAA student members, and actively participating in the EAA Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
- Can participate in the EAA Chapter 1345 monthly chapter meetings at the Bend airport
- Demonstrate participation in aviation prior to the scholarship application
- Have an interest in experimental/amateur built aircraft
Once selected the scholarship recipient will have to comply with the following requirements:
- Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as:
- Young Eagles rally volunteering.
- Volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins
- Chapter build project support
- Chapter gathering participation
- Chapter social media and website maintenance
- Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
- Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA's training timeline
Interested candidates should contact EAA Chapter 1345 at Highdesertflyers1345@gmail.com by February 15. We will begin interviewing candidates in late February.