For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Council of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapters has awarded scholarships for the EAA Air Academy to local teens. This year’s winners are Thomas Campbell of Cactus High School and Robbie Rodriguez of Caesar Chavez High School. Both are members of their school’s respective JROTC programs. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, teacher recommendations, activity in the EAA Young Eagle program, and the level of aviation interest shown by the applicant on the application. The Arizona Council of EAA Chapters is also the sponsoring organization for the COPPERSTATE Regional EAA Fly-in, which will be held 10/9-12 at the Phoenix Regional Airport.

The EAA Air Academy incorporates hands-on workshops, classroom activities, and outdoor experiences. The camps are supervised and administered by experienced aviation instructors and enthusiasts who teach a variety of aviation and aerospace related topics appropriate to the age level of the participants. The full course cost is included in the scholarship. In addition, Jaguar Cars North America provides dollar credits that can be applied to transportation costs. Air Academy camps are conducted at the EAA Leadership Center at Wittman Field in Oshkosh (WI). during the months of June, July, and August. Registration fees range from $600 for primary camp to $1000 for advanced leadership camp.

The Arizona Council of EAA Chapters awards at least one full scholarship for each camp for approximately $2300 worth of scholarships per year. Youth interested in the EAA Air Academy Scholarships must have high academic standing, be a resident of Arizona, and have had a flight experience as a Young Eagle, an EAA sponsored activity.

FMI: www.eaa.org; www.copperstate.org