Award Part Of Annual $1.2 Million Ray Aviation Scholarship Program

Wylie Howe Of Camp Verde, Arizona, has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 952 of the Verde Valley, Arizona and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program.

Wylie Howe is a 2020 graduate of Camp Verde High School where he played varsity baseball. He plans to attend Cochise College in Douglas to major in aviation. This scholarship will allow him to get his private pilot’s license before he starts his college aviation program to earn his commercial pilot’s license.

The Ray Aviation Scholars program provides up to $10,000 scholarships to young people who are pursuing flight training. The Ray Foundation provides $1.2 million annually to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the success rate from the current industry standard of only about 20 percent of those who start flight training earning their pilot’s license, to 80 percent for Scholarship program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying local youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education.

In 2019, the first year of the program, 105 scholars were awarded flight training scholarships. The success rate for those scholars is likely to exceed the goal of 80 percent.

Wylie Howe will be training at Leighnor Aircraft based at the Cottonwood airport, 668 South Airport Road, Hangar #3.  The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA private pilot certification.

EAA chapters play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. Chapters interested in participating are prequalified by EAA through an application process. If selected, they mentor and support the scholarship recipient throughout their flight training journey. Once selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund participant, candidates also commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.

EAA Chapter 952 is one of more than 900 worldwide chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Members meet at the Cottonwood airport, Building O on the first Tuesday of each month.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.EAAChapter952.org