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 $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $2,250,000 in annual scholarship funding.
EAA chapters apply for a scholarship, and if approved, the chapter then awards the scholarship to a youth or young adult to help them become a pilot. In addition to scholarship funding, the chapter also helps mentor the scholar and supports them on their path to becoming a licensed pilot.
This scholarship is available for candidates 16-19 years old who are pursuing a Private Pilot or Sport Pilot certificate, and for candidates 15-19 years old who are pursuing a Glider Pilot certificate.
Learn more at EAA.org/RayScholarship
Chapter 863 Ray Scholars
EAA Chapter 863 - Lebanon, TN
2025 Flight Scholarship Announcement
EAA #863 is proud to announce that the Ray Foundation is sponsoring a full $12,000 flight scholarship for our chapter again this year. Following are the requirements to apply for this exciting opportunity with our chapter:
- Student must be between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Student must have completed an application for or posses an FAA Student Pilot Certificate
- Student must be able to pass an FAA 3rd class medical exam
- Student must be a member of the National EAA Organization and the EAA #863 youth group
- Student must reside in the Middle TN area.
- Student must be an active participant in EAA Chapter 863 and Chapter youth group activities
- Student must submit a personally written 1500 word essay describing how you became interested in aviation, how your first flight affected your interest in aviation, and how you plan to support the chapter through your 2 hour per month volunteer commitment.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, 06 APR 2025. The application packet must be complete in order to be considered. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. A selection board is scheduled for Tuesday 08 APR 2025 at the EAA Hangar. Applicants will be notified via the email address provided in the application packet of their assigned interview time on Monday 07 APR, 2025. You must appear for an interview in order to be considered for this scholarship.
Completed application packets are to be submitted to eaascholarship@wreyford.net
Application Packet must include:
- Application Form
- Copy of FAA Student Pilot Certificate or submitted application for Certificate
- Copy of FAA 3rd Class Medical or confirmation of a doctor’s appointment prior to 30 APR 2025 with an FAA Designated Medical Examiner for the exam
- Above referenced Essay.
- Signed Student / Parental commitment form
- Copy of most recent report card or letter from school with your current GPA.
- Letter of Recommendation-other than a Parent
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, complete a packet as indicated above and submit it to the email address listed above.
If you have questions, you may email me at eaascholarship@wrefyord.net
Regards,
Jeff Wreyford
EAA 863 Scholarship Coordinator
EAA Chapter #863
2025 Ray Aviation Flight Scholarship Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don’t have my 3rd Class Medical Certificate yet?
A: You must be able to pass a 3rd Class Medical in order to receive the scholarship. If you do not currently have a 3rd Class Medical Certificate, you mush show proof that you have an appointment scheduled with an FAA designated Medical Examiner before 30 APR 2025 in order to apply for the scholarship. Note that you must PASS the medical exam BEFORE you can be awarded this scholarship. If you are selected to receive this scholarship and have not received your Medical by 31 MAY 2025, you will forfeit the scholarship and it will be awarded to someone else.
Q: How do I obtain my Student Pilot Certificate?
A: To apply for your Student Pilot Certificate, you may apply through the online FAA portal, fill out a paper application, or the recommended method, contact a certified flight instructor (CFI) and work them to get the application submitted.
Trish Yates, one of our members who is a CFI, has volunteered to help applicants get their paperwork completed for the student pilot certificate. She can be contacted via phone at 615.813.9785 or by email at tyates_home@yahoo.com . According to the FAA Web site, it takes approximately three weeks to get your certificate if you use the online system. You MUST have this certificate before you can be awarded this scholarship. If you are selected to receive this scholarship and have not received your Student Pilot Certificate by 31 MAY 2025, you will forfeit the scholarship and it will be awarded to someone else.
Q: Will having prior flight instruction detrimentally affect my consideration for this scholarship?
A: No!! It does, however, let the review board know how dedicated you are to achieving your license.
Q: How do I access the Sporty’s Online Learn to Fly Course?
A: When a young eagle takes their first discovery flight, they receive a logbook from EAA. Using the Code on that logbook, you create your student account on the EAA website. Once you create that Student Account, Sporty’s will contact you with your ID and password to the Learn to Fly Course.
