EAA Chapter 983, at Pecan Plantation is soliciting applications for the 2026 Ray Aviation Scholarship. This scholarship will provide up to $12,000 to attain a Private Pilot’s License.
Scholarship applications must be received by the Chapter 983 selection committee no later than May 31, 2026.
- Age 16-19 to apply for powered flight training (Private or Sport Pilot)
- Obtain a student pilot certificate (at time of acceptance of scholarship)
- Obtain at least a 3rd class medical certificate (at time of acceptance of scholarship)
- Able to begin their flight training within 30 days of scholarship start date (the last day of the month in which the scholar was approved by EAA)
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who received multiple Young Eagle flights, are EAA student members, and are actively participating in the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. If you become a finalist for the scholarship, you will be required to have a personal interview with the local scholarship review board)
Once selected by the chapter, the candidate will also be screened by EAA through an application process. If approved by EAA, the scholarship recipient must comply with the following requirements:
- Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as:
- Young Eagles rally volunteering
- Volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins
- Chapter aircraft build/restoration project support
- Chapter gathering participation
- Chapter newsletter, website, and/or social media maintenance
- Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
- Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA’s training timeline
- 3 months to first solo flight
- 6 months to pass the written exam
- 12 months to pass the check ride
Important: Funding is dependent upon completion
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please write an essay and address the following: (1 page is fine, but no more than 2 pages- ‘bullet’ format is acceptable)
What aviation experiences, education or training do you have to date? What aviation related career goals do you have in mind. Where did you hear about this scholarship opportunity? (If you know a 983 EAA Chapter member, please include their name)
Your application essay should include: Your name, parent or guardian names, address, telephone numbers and e-mail.
Please mail or email your application by May 31, 2026, to:
EAA RAY AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP
c/o Bruce McJunkin
5404 Wedgefield Rd
Granbury, TX 76049
or bmcjunkin57@gmail.com
Questions: Call/ text 559-824-5246
