FAQ:

How do I become a pilot?

Becoming a pilot is a very rewarding path, with many steps to take along the way. The first step into being able to fly yourself around, or make a career out of aviation, is the Private Pilot’s License. View this article How to Get a Private Pilot License – Step-by-Step – Pilot Institute for more information, and attend our information meeting to ask questions.

How do I get a Student Pilot Certificate?

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert

How do I get an FAA Aviation Medical?

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/get

What is ground school and how can I do it?

Ground school is often the first step to becoming a licensed pilot and covers all of the basic aeronautical knowledge required of a Private Pilot. It covers topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, flight instruments, weather theory, flight planning, navigation, and air traffic control. Ground school can be completed through a class, with an instructor, or commonly through a computer based learning program (see below). Through these computer based programs, you can receive an endorsement to take the Private Pilot (PAR) written exam.

*You can actually get this course and more for free by participating in an EAA Young Eagles Flight. More information can be found at EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan | EAA. Visit our local chapter website eaa729.org to see our calendar of events at the Columbus Municipal Airport, or visit eaachapters.org to search for local events and events in surrounding areas.

What is the written exam and how can I do it?

The written exam is a comprehensive assessment of your aeronautical knowledge. The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as navigation charts, publications, aviation related weather topics, Federal aviation regulations, airplane aerodynamics, instruments, and systems, and flight planning. The FAA maintains a database of testing centers around the country. An online registration process is used to schedule the test and testing location. There are many online products that will help you prepare for the written exam. You are required to have an online ground school completion certificate, or endorsement from a Certified Flight Instructor or Basic/Advanced Ground Instructor to take the exam. (see “What is ground school and how can I do it?”)

What is the practical exam and how can I do it?

The practical exam for a Private Pilot’s License is commonly known as a “checkride” and consists of two parts: an oral exam and a flight exam. The oral exam assesses theoretical knowledge, while the flight exam evaluates practical flying skills and demonstrates proficiency in various maneuvers and procedures. Your flight training will focus on being a safe pilot and becoming proficient in these maneuvers.  Once your CFI determines you are ready, they will work with you to schedule a time with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

The scholarship is “Up to $12000”…What does that mean?

Depending on completed milestones, the scholarship value will vary. If you are a student pilot already flight training and have completed your first solo flight, that portion of the scholarship dedicated to first flight to solo will be subtracted from the total value of the scholarship. Therefore, if you are pre-first-solo and have completed zero to some training, you will receive the full value of the scholarship.

*The scholarship is awarded in dividends based on how you progress. You will initially receive a sum of the scholarship to be used until you solo. After solo you will receive the next sum until you take your written test (unless completed prior and then you will receive the pre-solo and written sums up front). Then passed written you will receive the remainder of the scholarship

Do I need to live in Columbus where the chapter is located?

Though it is not a requirement to live in Columbus, it is expected that as a Ray Scholar of the chapter you are present and participate in the chapter events, which may pose a limitation on location.

Do I have to enroll in a flight school?

You are not required to use this scholarship at a recognized flight school. There are multiple flight training options and pathways available locally. We encourage you to research options on your own, but the scholarship committee can help you decide what will be a good fit for you. We highly encourage prospective pilots and families to attend the information meeting to hear more about the flight training process and options available

Can I still apply if I have already started flight training?

Yes. We encourage students who have already begun training to apply, however, note in the following that scholarship payouts may differ for those who have already completed flight training milestones. Those already holding Private Pilot Certificates are not eligible.

Payouts: EAA will disburse scholarship funds to your chapter in three installments of 40%, 40%, and 20% of the total award, based on the completion of program requirements:

  • First Payout: 40% of the scholarship is disbursed after the Scholarship Coordinator has submitted to EAA the signed flight training waiver and grant agreement for the new scholar.
  • Second Payout: 40% of the scholarship is disbursed after the scholar has completed their first solo flight, and the Scholarship Coordinator has submitted the Solo Progress Report in the Ray Scholarship Chapter Portal.
  • Third Payout: 20% of the scholarship is disbursed after the scholar has passed their FAA test and the Scholarship Coordinator has submitted the Written Exam Progress Report in the Ray Scholarship Chapter Portal.

Note that the payout structure may be different under the following circumstances:

  • If the scholar soloed before applying for the scholarship, then the second (post-solo) payout is excluded. The scholar receives only 60% of the total scholarship since they have already completed their pre-solo flight training.
  • Example: A scholar who is seeking a Private Pilot certificate and soloed before applying for the scholarship would receive a total of $7,200 instead of $12,000.
  • If the scholar passed their written exam before applying for the scholarship, then the third (post-written) payout is combined with the second (post-solo) payout. The scholar does not lose any scholarship funds.
  • If the scholar soloed and passed their written exam before applying for the scholarship, then the second (post-solo) payout is excluded and the first (post-approval) and third (post-written) payouts are combined into one. The scholar receives only 60% of the total scholarship since they have already completed their pre-solo flight training.
  • Example: A scholar who is seeking a Private Pilot certificate, and who soloed and passed the written exam before applying for the scholarship, would receive a total of $7,200 instead of $12,000.

*If you do not use all of the scholarship funds before completing your training, up to $1500 of the remaining sum may be used for additional flying or training towards another rating.

Other Flight Training Scholarship Providers/Opportunities:

Additional Resources:

Ray Scholarship Recipient Resources: Ray Scholar Recipient Resources

EAA Chapter 729 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application: LINK

For questions or inquiries, please visit our FAQ page or email us at eaachapter729rayscholarship@gmail.com.