William T. Coates (above on the right) of Marlborough, CT, has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 166 of Hartford and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $10,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $1.55 million to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James C. Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education.
Since its introduction in 2019, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over 180 youths to complete their flight training and receiving their pilot licenses. The program has been consistently meeting and exceeding its expected 80% success rate each year.
Will Coates will be training at the Learn 2 Fly CT LLC Flight School based at Brainard Airport in Hartford, CT. The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA pilot certification.
EAA chapters play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. Chapters interested in participating are prequalified by EAA through an application process. If selected, they mentor and support the scholarship recipient throughout their flight training journey. Once selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship participant, candidates also commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.
EAA Chapter 166 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. It meets at Brainard Airport in Hartford on the last Saturday each month. More information on EAA Chapter 166 is available at www.eaa166.org.
CONGRATULATIONS Will!
Check in here for updates on Will and his progress.
Ray Scholar Will Coates Earns His Certificate
The third Ray Scholar sponsored by EAA Chapter 166 in Hartford, CT, passed his sport pilot checkride on August 2, 2023, and is now a certificated pilot. William T. Coates (above on the left) of Marlborough, CT, won the unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 166 of Hartford and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Will trained at the Learn 2 Fly CT LLC Flight School based at Brainard Airport in Hartford. He will continue his aviation journey at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University this fall.
Congratulations to Will! Thanks also go to Will’s parents, Rick Montero (Will’s Ray Scholar Coordinator at EAA Chapter 166), his flight instructor A.J. (of Learn 2 Fly CT LLC), and the EAA 166 family that has supported Will and our two previous Ray Scholars.
The James Ray Aviation Foundation funds these Scholarships with the intent of helping young people embrace the life skills required to become a pilot, and to use those skills in their everyday lives. Since its introduction in 2019, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over 180 young people to complete their flight training and receive their pilot licenses. The program has been consistently meeting and exceeding its expected 80% success rate each year.
