Scholarships

Ray Aviation Scholarship

Concord EAA Chapter 393 is looking to award a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual, between 16 and 19, a $12,000 Ray Aviation Scholarship to learn to fly in 2026.

Start your application

Overview

You could be next

EAA is a national organization of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promote and support flying, growing participation in aviation by promoting the "Spirit of Aviation." EAA Chapters are groups of these enthusiasts within your community with a variety of aviation interests, including building and flying airplanes and promoting aviation through programs and projects.

To be considered, you must be determined, dedicated, and able to study and fly weekly.Applications must be submitted before midnight on April 30, 2026.

2023

Brody

Awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship in 2023 — now holds his Private Pilot's License!

2024

KB

Awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship in 2024 — well on her way to becoming a Private Pilot.

2025

Rayan

Awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship in 2025 — well on his way to becoming a Private Pilot.

Eligibility & Expectations

What it takes to be a candidate

A. The candidate must

Be between 16 and 19 years of age at the start of private pilot flight training.
Possess FAA student pilot and medical certificates (Chapter 393 will assist with the process; candidate may be required to pay pilot medical exam expenses).
Have a flight training location and instructor selected (Chapter 393 will assist with selection).
Start pilot training within 30 days of receiving scholarship approval — target start date by 6/15/2026. A training provider at Concord Airport is preferred.
Have completed at least one Young Eagles flight (Chapter 393 may be able to assist if needed).
Commit to two hours per month of volunteer service to EAA Chapter 393.
Commit to actively participate in pilot-training planning and progress reporting.
Agree to complete and sign Flight Training Waiver and Photo Release forms.

B. Training milestones

3 months

First solo flight.

6 months

FAA written exam passed (an approved ground school course must be completed first).

12 months

Private pilot checkride passed.

Applying

C. What EAA National needs from Chapter 393

Your application, submitted to EAA National by Chapter 393 for final approval, must include:

Candidate's EAA member number (not required, but strongly encouraged to join EAA and the sponsoring chapter).
Pilot training commencement date, within 30 days of EAA approval.
A plan for meeting the two-hour monthly chapter volunteer commitment.
Digital copies of student pilot and medical certificates, plus proof of Young Eagles flight completion.
Flight training location and instructor.
Information about pilot training completed and/or underway, and EAA or aviation events attended.
Completed and signed Flight Training Waiver and Photo Release forms.
Contact information for your letter of recommendation (provided by the Chapter 393 Scholarship Coordinator).
A 150–200 word essay on why you should be selected for a Ray Aviation Scholarship.

Applications close April 30, 2026 at midnight

Concord EAA Chapter 393 can provide the pilot training resources you need to earn your private pilot certificate and start your path to an aviation career.

Start your application Email the Scholarship Coordinator

More on the national program:EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund →