EAA 80 Ray/Rex Scholarship Application

EAA 80 uses the same set of criteria and application process for the Ray Aviation Scholarship and Rex Ekwall Memorial Scholarship. Download the application on this page, see “Application.”

2026 Scholar Eligibility and Requirements (NEW)

EAA 80 Ray/Rex Aviation Scholarship recipients are the most engaged, excited, and motivated aspiring pilots that EAA chapters have had the pleasure of meeting. It is EAA 80’s responsibility to vet local youths to help bring forward the most deserving candidates in the local area.

Local candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age 15-19 to apply for glider training
• Possession of a student pilot certificate (U.S. scholars only)
• Possession of at least a 3^rd class medical certificate (Private Pilot students only)
• Received at least one EAA Young Eagles flight (New in 2026)
• Able to begin their flight training within 30 days of scholarship start date (the last day of the month in which the scholar was approved by EAA)

Additional consideration will be given to candidates who received multiple Young Eagle flights, are EAA student members, and are actively participating in the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.

Once selected by the chapter, the candidate will also be screened by EAA through a secondary application process. If approved by EAA, the scholarship recipient must comply with the following requirements:

• Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as:
  • Young Eagles rally volunteering
  • Volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins
  • Chapter aircraft build/restoration project support
  • Chapter gathering participation
  • Chapter newsletter, website, and/or social media maintenance
• Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
• Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA’s training timeline
  • 3 months to first solo flight (if applicable)
  • 6 months to pass the written exam (if applicable)
  • 12 months to pass the checkride

Application

Applications are due on April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time.

Submit completed applications by e-mail to scholarship@eaa80.org. A confirmation of your submission will be sent back to you once received by EAA 80.