Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) · National
What Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) publishes
~$2.25M distributed annually through local EAA chapters
Amounts, dates and eligibility change between cycles. Always confirm on the provider's page before applying.
Applications close August 31, 2026.
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What this award leaves to fund
- This award$6,000 to $12,000, priced at the ceiling
- $12,000
- Private certificatePilotBound national estimate
- − $18,257
- Left to fund
- $6,300
All six lenders in our comparison lend this much. Stack whatever else you can win first, then price only what is left.
Compare the six lenders →Who this is for
Open to youth ages 15-19 (16-19 for powered flight) who have completed at least one EAA Young Eagles flight; candidates are nominated by a local EAA chapter and must hold or be able to obtain a student pilot certificate to pursue a Private Pilot, Sport Pilot, or Glider certificate.
How to apply
- Read the full requirements on Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)'s official page. Applying is free.
- Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
- Write the essay with numbers, not passion: name your certificate goal, your school, your hours so far, and exactly what this award covers. Build your plan so every figure in the essay is real.
Price the school you'll name in the essay
Selection boards fund plans with a school and a number in them. Every figure below is what the school itself publishes, with the source and the date it was checked.
Local flight schools
1168 flight schools across 50 states, with the hourly rates each one publishes.
Accelerated academies
94 zero-to-career academies and the fixed program prices they publish.
Degree programs
47 aviation colleges, with tuition and flight fees summed into one estimate.
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Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA): quick answers
How much is the Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA)?
The published award is $6,000 – $12,000. Up to $12,000 for Private Pilot, $9,000 for Sport Pilot, $6,000 for Glider Pilot. One application cycle covers multiple awards (~$2.25M distributed annually through local EAA chapters).
When is the Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA) deadline?
The deadline on the provider's official page is August 31, 2026. Applications are open right now. Chapter applications open Nov 1 through Jan 31; scholar nominations run Feb through Aug 31 each year.
Who is eligible for the Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA)?
Open to youth ages 15-19 (16-19 for powered flight) who have completed at least one EAA Young Eagles flight; candidates are nominated by a local EAA chapter and must hold or be able to obtain a student pilot certificate to pursue a Private Pilot, Sport Pilot, or Glider certificate.
How do I apply for the Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA)?
Apply for free on Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)'s official page. There is no application fee, and no legitimate aviation scholarship charges one or asks for your Social Security number. Have your essay, recommendation letters, and any required certificates ready before the window opens.