Program overview
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based flight training program funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through local EAA chapters. EAA says awards can be up to $12,000. A chapter identifies and mentors a local candidate, and EAA screens candidates after chapter selection. A prospective scholar should begin by contacting a chapter, not by using the online chapter grant portal.
The 2027 chapter application period opens November 1, 2026. Chapter coordinators apply for the funds that make a scholar award possible. The chapter deadline for a full scholarship application is January 31, 2027. EAA's schedule for individual scholar applications depends on whether the chapter receives a full or matching award, so there is not one universal self-application deadline for every candidate.
Scholar eligibility
For powered flight training toward a Private Pilot or Sport Pilot certificate, a candidate must be 16 to 19 years old. A glider training candidate must be 15 to 19. Candidates must have completed at least one EAA Young Eagles flight. U.S. scholars need a student pilot certificate. A Private Pilot candidate also needs at least a third-class medical certificate. These age and document requirements differ by track, so confirm which apply before approaching a chapter.
The candidate must be able to begin flight training within 30 days of the scholarship start date. EAA describes that start date as the last day of the month in which it approves the scholar. Additional consideration is given to candidates with multiple Young Eagles flights, EAA student membership, and active participation in the Young Eagles Flight Plan, including Sporty's Learn to Fly course. EAA describes those factors as additional consideration, not absolute eligibility requirements.
Award use and milestone expectations
The published maximum is $12,000, but an award amount depends on whether the chapter receives a full or matching scholarship and on the grant structure. A matching scholarship requires a chapter to contribute 25 percent, with the Ray Foundation funding the other 75 percent. Eligible training follows the selected certificate track. The local chapter is responsible for mentoring the scholar and helping track progress.
After approval, a scholar must participate in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month and submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins. EAA lists examples such as helping at Young Eagles rallies, supporting a chapter aircraft build or restoration, assisting at chapter events, and contributing to chapter communications. These are examples from the program page. A candidate should ask the local chapter what activities are available and how service hours are recorded.
EAA's training timeline names milestones including first solo within three months where applicable, passing the knowledge test within six months where applicable, and completing the checkride within twelve months. Funding depends on completing milestones and submitting progress reports on time. EAA says failure to meet those deadlines may result in discontinuation of the award. The recipient should use the current scholar agreement for the exact timeline and reporting instructions.
How the chapter process works
The program has two connected applications. First, a chapter applies to administer a full or matching scholarship. For the 2027 cycle, full chapter applications run from November 1 through January 31, while matching chapter applications run from November 1 through December 31. EAA says approval timing differs for the two chapter award types.
Second, an eligible candidate is nominated by a chapter and completes EAA's scholar application and screening. Candidates with a full chapter award generally apply from February through August 31. Candidates supported through a matching scholarship may begin applying in January. EAA reviews scholar applications monthly. Contact a chapter coordinator early because chapter selection and nomination happen before an individual scholar application can be completed.
The chapter portal is intended for chapter coordinators to submit grant applications and scholar progress reports. EAA specifically tells scholar candidates to contact their local chapter's scholarship coordinator. Do not submit candidate information through a coordinator-only portal unless the chapter instructs you to do so.
Before accepting a nomination
Confirm the chapter's award type, the next application step, the amount available, the expected start date, and the chapter's mentoring plan. Ask how the monthly volunteer hours and reports will be tracked. Candidates should also confirm that their medical certificate, student pilot certificate, training start date, and chosen powered or glider track meet the current requirements.
The published maximum does not mean each scholar receives $12,000 or that every training cost is covered. Get the award amount and allowed costs directly from the chapter and EAA. Confirm how the funds are paid and what may happen if the training timeline changes.
Related resources include the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund, the scholar eligibility page, the flight school directory, and the scholarship directory.