$12,000 Aviation Scholarship Opportunity Available to Local Students by Hastings EAA Chapter 544
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA — April 1, 2026 — HASTINGS EAA CHAPTER 544 OF HASTINGS, NE has a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Local high school students ages 16-19 who have a strong desire to learn to fly airplanes are encouraged to apply through May 15th, 2026. The scholarship provides for the full cost of training including aircraft
rental, flight instruction, books, and testing material up to $12,000. Flight training will be administered at Hastings Air, based at the Hastings Municipal Airport. 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.
Students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact Aaron Schardt at 402-363-1526 or
[email protected] or Glen Bredthauer 402-460-8113 [email protected] .
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 Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over hundreds of youth 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.
About EAA
Hastings EAA Chapter 544 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. It meets at Hastings Airport EAA Hanger on the fourth Monday of each month at 7pm.
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 250,000 members enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with
www.twitter.com/EAA.