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The EAA describes Ray Aviation Scholarship applicants as the “most engaged, excited, and motivated aspiring pilots the chapter has had the pleasure of meeting
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapters 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.
Scholarship recipients receive both local and national recognition, serve as leaders and ambassadors of the chapter, and are provided with numerous opportunities to be involved in aviation. They also receive a scholarship recipient kit and, upon achieving designated milestones, are awarded a complimentary Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset. Furthermore, scholars are invited to and recognized at EAA AirVenture each year.
EAA Chapter 729 scholars are warmly welcomed into the aviation community and are strongly supported throughout their training and well beyond!
Value: Up to $12000
Initial Deadline: September 17th, 2025
Scholar Eligibility and Requirements
- 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.
- Minimum Age: 17 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]
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of FAA Private Pilot Written Test [See FAQ]
- Current and or prior EAA National Membership
- Current and or prior EAA Chapter 729 Membership
- Active Chapter 729 engagement
- Prior Young Eagles Flight participants
- Completion of Private Pilot Ground School [See FAQ]
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 pilots 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.
Application Process and Deadlines:
- Application Opens: July 1st, 2025
- *Information Meeting: August 18th 2025 – 6 PM @ EAA729 chapter’s Hanger. Address: EAA729, 4750 Kelly St, Columbus, IN 47203
(see “Ray Aviation Scholarship” page at eaa729.org for details) - Application Closes: September 17th, 2025
- **Interview Period: September 22nd – September 26th
- Decisions Released: October 3rd, 2025
- EAA Foundation Application Deadline: October 31st, 2025
- Chapter Award Ceremony: November Monthly Meeting
*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.
Information Meeting: (TBD) Check back to this webpage or our social media (@eaachapter729 on Facebook and Instagram) for date and time!
**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.
Scholarship Submission: Please print the file titled “EAA Chapter 729 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application” and clearly handwrite your answers in the spaces provided. Completed applications and supporting documentation should be scanned and emailed to eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com with the subject line: “First Name Last Name: 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application.”
EAA Chapter 729 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application: LINK
For questions or inquiries, please visit our FAQ page or email us at eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com.
