Chapter 770

Springfield, IL

2024 Recipients

Larson Nester

 EAA

We are thrilled to celebrate Larson Nester, who officially earned his Private Pilot’s License on February 11, 2025! Larson’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of his dedication, perseverance, and passion for aviation.

As a 2024 Ray Scholar, Larson was given the opportunity to pursue his flight training with the support of EAA Chapter 770 and the Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund. The scholarship, awarded to outstanding young aviators, recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to aviation, leadership, and personal growth. From the start, Larson embodied these qualities, tackling every challenge head-on with determination and enthusiasm.

His training wasn’t always easy, weather delays, checkride nerves, and countless hours of studying made for a demanding journey. But Larson remained focused, consistently pushing himself to become the best pilot he could be. Through each lesson, solo flight, and checkride preparation, he showcased the kind of resilience and passion that define great aviators.

On the day of his checkride, Larson put all of his training to the test. With precision and confidence, he navigated through the exam, demonstrating his knowledge, skills, and ability to safely operate an aircraft as Pilot in Command. When he finally heard the words "You passed!", it was the culmination of months of hard work and a lifelong dream coming true.

Larson’s achievement is not just a personal victory, it’s also a testament to the power of mentorship, community support, and the impact of programs like the Ray Scholarship. His journey serves as a reminder to all aspiring aviators that with dedication, support, and a love for flying, anything is possible.

Congratulations, Larson! We can’t wait to see where your wings take you next!

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