The board of directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 has chosen William McCarthy of Tavares, Florida, as the 2020 winner of a $10,000 Ray Scholarship.
McCarthy has been a member of the chapter’s Aviation Youth Program, called Squadron 534, for about five years. He “has been very busy learning all he can about building and repairing aircraft in the chapter’s hangar at the Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) in Leesburg, Florida,” officials note.
He has also helped to teach other members of the chapter’s youth program how to use the two flight simulators EAA chapter 534 has in its hangar. William, who just happens to have a similar simulator at home, has accumulated about 700 simulator hours flying different aircraft.
He got his start with EAA Chapter 534 some years ago when he took part in the EAA Young Eagles first flight program. Since that time, he has taken part in the building and repair of vintage wood and fabric aircraft, as well as construction techniques of more modern aluminum planes. Eventually he would like to become a commercial pilot.
Through the auspices of Experimental Aircraft Association, chapters are asked to recommend a member of their youth program for a Ray Scholarship. This scholarship will generally provide enough money for a young person to complete flight training for a private pilot’s license at any flight school.
This is the second year in a row that EAA Chapter 534 has had one of their youth members be lucky enough to receive this award. Last year the recipient was Mateo Colmenero, who has received his private pilot certificate.
EAA Chapter 534 has had an active youth aviation program for several years where kids ages 10 to 18 can learn the intricacies of aircraft construction and repair, as well as take advantage of the Young Eagles program. There is no charge to them for this training and they are taught by the chapter’s volunteer members who have experience in building and maintaining aircraft of many types.
Squadron 534 youth group meets most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the chapter’s hangar at the airport and lunch is provided free. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, chapter activities have been suspended, but will resume as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
The article about EAA’s support for Emily Lininger was impressive. I am interested in paying for 1-hour of flight time for Emily Lininger. What is the current cost of 1-hour of flight time? Do I mail a check to EAA at Leesburg Airport?
Dr. Arnold, I’ve forwarded your question to the officials at EAA Chapter 534.