The EAA describes Ray Aviation Scholarship applicants as “the most engaged, excited, and motivated aspiring pilots the chapter has had the pleasure of meeting!”
In 2026, EAA Chapter 729 received grant funding to develop and implement a new scholarship program designed to support prospective Ray Aviation Scholarship candidates. This program provides selected applicants with funding and resources to help them become more competitive Ray Scholarship candidates while also allowing them to better understand the scope, structure, and commitment required for flight training. This initiative is known as the Jump Start Program.
The number of Jump Start recipients selected each year is subject to available funding and the discretion of the EAA Chapter 729 Board of Directors.
The Jump Start Program covers the following expenses for award recipients:
- FAA Medical Certificate (required to operate as Pilot in Command)
- Private Pilot Ground School (required preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test)
- Discovery Flight (an introductory flight experience)
- FAA Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test Preparation and Examination Fee (required for Private Pilot certification)
- Three Hours of Dual Flight Instruction (providing valuable flight training exposure while allowing both the student and instructor to assess aptitude and interest in aviation)
The Jump Start Program is designed not only to reduce the financial barriers to entering aviation, but also to serve as a pathway for identifying and developing the most qualified Ray Aviation Scholarship candidates.
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program 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 per recipient to help cover flight training expenses, contributing to more than $2.25 million in annual scholarship funding nationwide.
Scholarship recipients receive both local and national recognition, serve as leaders and ambassadors for their chapter, and are provided with numerous opportunities to become involved in the aviation community. Recipients also receive a scholarship award kit and, upon reaching designated training milestones, are awarded a complimentary Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset. Additionally, Ray Scholars are recognized annually at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
In 2026, EAA Chapter 729 has the opportunity to award up to two Ray Aviation Scholarships.
Jump Start Program:
Scholar Eligibility and Requirements
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years old
- Must not turn 20 before September 2027
- Valid Driver’s License
- Ability to obtain an FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate [See FAQ]
- Availability to complete all program activities in the listed timeframe [See Application Process and Deadlines]
- Willingness to be photographed and featured in Chapter 729 media and marketing, as well as that of the National EAA organization and local news outlets.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current and or prior EAA National Membership
- Current and or prior EAA Chapter 729 Membership
- Active Chapter 729 engagement
- Prior Young Eagles Flight participants
Conditions of Scholarship
- Become (if not already) an EAA Chapter 729 Member
- Attend Monthly Chapter Gatherings
- Complete all program activities in the listed timeframe below [See 2026 Jump Start Important Date Sheet]
- Summary:
- Obtain at least a 3rd Class FAA Medical: 6/25/2026
- Complete Private Pilot Ground School: 6/25/2026
- Pass Private Pilot Airplane FAA Written Exam: 6/25/2026
- Take a Discovery Flight: 6/25/2026
- Complete 3 Flight Instruction activities between: 6/26/2026-7/5/2026
- Provide a post-program reflection to the chapter
Jump Start Scholarship Submission
The 2026 Jump Start Scholarship Cycle is closed. Please check back in early 2027 for information on future cycles!
Please fill out the file titled “2026 EAA Chapter 729 Jump Start Scholarship Application” and note answers in the spaces provided (either type or clearly handwrite). Completed applications and supporting documentation should be scanned and emailed as PDF files to eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com with the subject line: “First Name Last Name: 2026 Jump Start Scholarship Application.”
2026 EAA Chapter 729 Jump Start Scholarship Application: LINK
For questions or inquiries, please see the following resources, visit our FAQ page, or email us at eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com.
Resources:
Ray Aviation Scholarship Program:
Value: Up to $12000
The 2026 application cycle opens July 2nd.
Information Meeting: June 23rd, 6pm,
EAA Chapter 729 Hangar – 4750 Kelly St. Columbus, IN 47203
Scholar Eligibility and Requirements
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years old
- Must not turn 20 before completing their checkride
- Valid Driver’s License
- Possession of a student pilot certificate [See FAQ]
- Possession of FAA medical certificate [See FAQ]
- Completion of Private Pilot Ground School [See FAQ page]
- Completion of FAA Private Pilot Written Test [See FAQ page]
- Be able to begin their flight training within 1 month of receiving the scholarship
- Be able to complete their flight training within 12 months of starting training
- Willingness to be photographed and featured in Chapter 729 media and marketing, as well as that of the National EAA organization and local news outlets.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current and or prior EAA National Membership
- Current and or prior EAA Chapter 729 Membership
- Active Chapter 729 engagement
- Prior Young Eagles Flight participants
- Jump Start Program Scholar
Conditions of Scholarship
- Become (if not already) an EAA Chapter 729 Member
- Attend Monthly Chapter Gatherings
- Engage in monthly meetings with designated chapter mentor
- Provide monthly progress reports to designated mentor to be reported to the Board of Directors
- Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as but not limited to:
- Young Eagles rally volunteering
- Volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins
- Chapter build project support
- Chapter social media and website maintenance
- Complete 2 “Flight Activities” a week (Training Flight, Ground Lesson, Practice Test, Simulator)
- Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA’s training timeline
- 3 months to first solo flight (if applicable)
- 6 months to pass the written exam (if applicable)
- 12 months to pass the checkride
*This scholarship may not cover the entire cost of the Private pilot’s license. It is still expected that the scholar will complete their certificate. Flight Training options and financing will be discussed during the Ray Scholarship information meeting and again during the Ray Scholarship interview.
Ray Aviation Scholarship Application Process and Deadlines
- *Application Opens: July 2nd, 2026
- **Information Meeting: June 23rd, 2026
- Application Closes: August 7th, 2026
- ***Interview Period: Aug 17th-28th, 2026
- Decisions Released: Aug 29th, 2026
- EAA Foundation Application Deadline: August 31th, 2026
- Chapter Award Ceremony: Sept 17th, 2026 (September Monthly Chapter Meeting)
*Jump Start Program Scholars see below “Ray Aviation Scholarship Submission”
**There will be an information meeting hosted by the Scholarship Committee and Chapter at the EAA Chapter Hangar 4750 Kelly Street, Columbus, IN 47203. This meeting will address general information and questions regarding the scholarship, as well as provide insight into the requirements of flight training and possible options. It is highly encouraged that applicants and parents attend this information session to understand the expectations and options in full.
***Interviews will be in person only.
Tips for Success:
Consider reading through the expectations and information located on the EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund Webpage: Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund | EAA
It is encouraged to use the application period to become involved in aviation and begin working towards your goals. Late applications will not be accepted, however applicants will not be considered on a rolling basis (i.e. it does not matter when the application is submitted so long as it is before the deadline).
Review your application multiple times and have someone else review it for you as well. It is recommended that you do not fill the application out and submit it immediately, rather give yourself time to make adjustments and provide the best application possible.
Ray Aviation Scholarship Submission
Jump Start Program Scholars – Do not submit this application. Please email eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com expressing intent to be considered for a Ray Scholarship with the subject line “First Name Last Name: Jump Start to Ray Scholarship Intent”
*More information will be provided to Jump Start Scholars directly.
Please fill out the file titled “2026 EAA Chapter 729 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application” and note answers in the spaces provided (either type or clearly handwrite). Completed applications and supporting documentation should be scanned and emailed as PDF files to eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com with the subject line: “First Name Last Name: 2026 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application.”
2026 EAA Chapter 729 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application: LINK
For questions or inquiries, please see the following resources, visit our FAQ page, or email us at eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com.
Resources:
