Local EAA flying scholarships

Scholarships are available to local students wishing to take to the skies with their very own Private Pilot License. After another successful year of pancake breakfast fundraising, the Bonners Ferry chapter of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is offering more scholarships for the 2020 year. The members thank all the people that supported our monthly breakfast fundraising activity throughout the 2019 summer. Not only the local community continued to support us, with additional advertising and good weather we had many people driving and flying from outside the area to attend our breakfast.

Currently there are five students completing various certification ratings with the help of EAA scholarships, and we are pleased to begin the enrollment phase for future scholarships. The recipients will begin by attending the Private Pilot Ground School offered through Northern Air early next year. Once qualified, a $300 scholarship which nearly covers the entire cost of the ground school (excluding books & other material) will be paid by EAA for the selected students. After completing the ground school the student must take the Federal Aviation Administration written test. Upon successful passing of the test, the student can then apply for additional scholarship towards actual flying lessons. The amount can be up to $2,500 per student.

Currently there are numerous local pilots flying thanks to the help of EAA, some of whom have continued to gain additional certifications toward an aviation career.

We are fortunate to fly in a beautiful and uncongested area said one of the members. There is no feeling like flying on a clear day while enjoying fantastic scenery from snow capped mountains to unspoiled natural forests. After many years of flying, it is still amazing to know you can just go to the Airport and fly your machine thousands of feet above the ground and see the surrounding areas in a completely different perspective.

The steps to apply are easy. Details may be found at our EAA web site, www.757.eaachapter.com. Simply provide a write-up telling us about yourself and why you are interested in flying, reference letters, and parent or guardian authorization. Please make sure all of your contact information is clearly provided. You can submit your request to Northern Air at the Airport. Applications will be reviewed by EAA members. Interviews may be scheduled and notifications made prior to the end of the year so that you can enroll in the upcoming ground school.

Please contact Northern Air concerning the dates, location, and specifics of the ground school.