Train-A-Pilot Scholarship
By EAA Chapter 274
Applications are no longer being accepted for 2023.
MISSION: The Train-A-Pilot (TAP) scholarship offered by the Decatur Chapter 274 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is designed to identify, sponsor, and guide a deserving young person to earn a private pilot license as a beginning step toward their career in the field of aviation.
The Loren Hodge Aviation Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit within EAA Chapter 274 which is designed to provide the necessary funds to cover the instructional and flight costs of training a student to the point of receiving their private pilot license. The TAP committee has established guidelines and spending levels needed to accomplish these goals.
PROCESS: There are several steps necessary to apply for this scholarship. First determine your eligibility here.
If you feel you are an acceptable candidate after reading the eligibility requirements, print and complete the application which the link can be found on the bottom of this page. Mail to the address on the application. Applications are due by March 31,2023.
A note to the family and candidate. Be aware that medicals, study materials, FAA tests, club membership and check rides do have costs and these are not covered by scholarship funds. The approximate cost of these items is $1,500 to $2,000.
Once the application is submitted (due by March 31, 2023), it will be evaluated by the TAP committee and three will be selected and notified. These three students will be asked to prepare a three minute oral presentation, apply for a third class medical, and take a Young Eagles flight. This presentation will introduce the candidate to the chapter members, inform them of the candidate’s goals, and what he/she wishes to accomplish with this scholarship. The presentation will occur at the Chapter 274 April meeting in hangar 102A at the Decatur airport. We ask that parents and family attend this meeting to get acquainted with Chapter 274. You can attend any meetings prior to this if you wish. Please see website or our Facebook for time and location.
After the oral presentations and questions by members, the scholars and families will be asked to leave to enable the membership to discuss and vote on the finalist. All will be called and told of the results.