Founded by James and Joan Ray, the Ray Foundation enables EAA and its chapter network to provide up to $11,000 for deserving youth to help cover flight training expenses. The foundation has made $1.8 million available to the EAA this year.

“Many aspiring pilots fall short of their goal due to the cost of flight training, so EAA, working with the Ray Foundation, helps relieve some of the financial pressure and make the goal of becoming a pilot even more accessible for future generations,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programming. “The high completion rate of our scholars demonstrates the impact of a supportive environment provided by EAA chapters.”

In addition to the Ray Aviation Scholarships, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation partners with EAA to award a Zulu 3 headset to each fight student upon completing their first solo. If the student had already soloed before starting in the Ray Aviation Scholarship program, the headset goes to them when they pass their written exam.

“This recognizes the scholar as they progress and ultimately complete flight training,” according to EAA.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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Florida-based pilots Joseph Hurtuk, Ian Goldbaum, and Richard Golightly collaborated in the design of a specialty plate with the theme, “Support General Aviation.” Among their goals was highlighting the economic impact of aviation in the state, which ranks third in the U.S. for the total number of pilots, aircraft, and airports.  

The three pilots worked with Stacey Heaton, AOPA’s southern regional manager, to seek help from elected officials to promote the plate. State Representative Doug Bankson (R-District 39) and State Senator Gayle Harrell (R-District 83) played major roles in legislative efforts to gain House and Senate approval. The next stop for the plate is the governor’s desk, where it is expected to receive approval by the end of March, AOPA said.

“Special thanks go to representative Bankson and senator Harrell,” said Heaton. “The representative’s own passion for aviation and the senator’s recognition of our members’ passion for aviation made this effort possible.” 

After receiving the governor’s signature, the plate still has to go through a process to coordinate its distribution. Presales are set to begin October 1 with a requirement of 3,000 purchases before the state can begin turning out the plates for drivers. Proceeds from the sale of the specialty plates will go toward funding aviation education scholarships for Floridians, which will be managed through the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida.

The post Sales of Aviation License Plates to Begin in Florida Later This Year appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“The Fly Right Scholarship promises a sum of $100,000 to a high school graduate of Johnston County who showcases integrity, a positive impact, and the nomination of their teachers and peers,” the Smithfield-headquartered flight school said in a statement.

Ashley Tucker, vice president of sales and marketing at Blue Line Aviation, said the scholarship available to high school graduates was made possible by a donation, given directly to the flight school, from co-founders Trey and Kelsey Waters.

The prospective students submit an application, a copy of their school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In addition to academic achievement and a desire to be a pilot, they must also demonstrate community involvement. Each application is reviewed by a selection committee.

“Joshua has shown his dedication to both his education and his local community and, through his hard work, has earned this award and the acclaim of his peers and educators,” said Trey Walters, who also serves as managing director of Blue Line Aviation.

Tucker added that Blue Line Aviation intends to make scholarship awards an annual event.

“There is also a second scholarship for $15,000 that can be applied toward our career pilot program,” said Tucker.

Blue Line Aviation was founded in 2012 in North Carolina but has since added a facility in Florida. The Blue Line fleet consists of single and multiengine Diamond aircraft and a Piper Archer.

Blue Line Aviation’s program is designed to be fast track.

“The clients are able to earn seven certificates and ratings, from private pilot up through multiengine instructor in as little as five and a half months,” she said. “They then have the option to work with us and build their hours before they go on to the airlines.”

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