The AYA scholarship program helps young people initiate or continue their flight training. The program offers scholarships of up to U.S.$2,500 to people 16-25 years old.

If you know of a deserving young person who might be interested in applying for a flight training scholarship, please encourage him or her to obtain an application. The sky is waiting!

The AYA Scholarship Fund is open to young people from any country, and the application process is not complicated. Candidates may obtain an application form and instructions from either the fund administrator or the secretary/treasurer. Candidates must submit their applications and supporting documents to the fund administrator by February 1 of each year. The scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the annual convention and announced to the membership at the convention.

Qualified applicants will be assessed by the scholarship committee on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated strong interest in general aviation.
• A proven self-starter, willing to earn his/her way.
• Academic skills as demonstrated by scholastic record of at least a C+ (2.5 GPA), if applicable.
• Participation and demonstrated contributions to their communities.

The applicant need not be a relative of an AYA member but must submit a letter of recommendation from a current AYA member. Two additional letters of recommendation are required. Expenditures for training will be approved by the fund administrator and submitted to the secretary/treasurer for payment. The $2,500 award will not be paid out as a lump sum. Payments for training will be made up to the $2,500 limit as the training occurs. There will be periodic inquiries made with the flight instructor to check on how each recipient is progressing.

Candidates' applications are evaluated by AYA's scholarship committee, led by the fund administrator. The scholarship committee consists of AYA's past president and four non-AYA board members, one each from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia or New Zealand. In the event that no volunteer steps forward from a given area to serve on the committee, then volunteers may be appointed from another area. Committee members serve a three-year term.

Funding for the awards comes solely from contributions, not from dues or any other AYA funds. You are encouraged to support the fund through a charitable contribution.

2010 AYA Scholarship Recipients

    It is with great pleasure that I announce we have four scholarship recipients for 2010. At last years board meeting the scholarship committee was given the option of giving multiple scholarships at their discretion provided applicants met the qualifications required. As we have sufficient funds available it was felt that the membership would rather see their donations getting our youth in the skies rather than sitting in an account. 

    This year we have chosen four, I would like to introduce them to you.

    Miko Yeboah-Smith – Miko is our first European recipient, residing in Bonn, Germany. He is 17 years old and will take final exams to qualify for university in 2012. The school he is in combines elements of American high school and college. He is a committed class representative, which gives him the responsibility to advocate class interests in the community. He is also a supervising tutor. As a student who was tutored when younger and finding it very helpful, he is now able to give back to other students. Though his leisure time has decreased since he started taking flight lessons, music is an important part of his life as a singer, guitarist. He has also assisted with administrative duties for a family charity project which is medical support for orphans in Ghana and did a nursing internship at a medical health centre. Two years ago he was successful in becoming an intern at the Lufthansa Maintenance Centre in Hamburg working with a team of technicians repairing Boeing and Airbus planes.

    Richard Mueller, CEO of Flugschule FTP in Hangelar, Germany, was so impressed with Miko when he participated in a three week theory course that he employed him at the flight academy in order to enable him to finance his flight training. Miko’s references describe him as extremely reliable, eager to help, pro-active, highly motivated and committed, thought highly of by others, positive attitude. After he completes his military duty his desire is to become a commercial pilot and will aim for the Airline Transport Pilot License combined with the international course of studies for aircraft system engineering and management offered by Lufthansa. From what we have heard about Miko, it would appear he has the capability to continue in the aviation world and accomplish whatever he sets his mind to.

    Robert Canedeletti - Robert is 20 years old and the son of AYA members Jim and Mary Jo Candeletti. Many hours of flying with his Dad have seeded his love for aviation. He is a volunteer with the local Ocean Air Squadron which has programs designed to clean up the ocean and he volunteers to teach young students about the environment and our eco-system , along with helping with other community projects when requested. Starting out at Penn State he has now transferred to Utah Valley University and is taking online courses to complete a degree in aviation and hopes to eventually become an airline pilot. This allows him more time to concentrate on his flight training. Through Hortman Aviation, which runs the college program Robert is in, owner Herb Hortman says his attitude and aptitude put him at the top of his class. Other references refer to him as showing good judgement, reliable, sound decision maker, safety awareness and judgement.

    Robert is the third scholarship recipient from our AYA ‘family’ which is likely even more special to our members when we can assist our own.

    Clayton Reamer – Clayton is 19 years old and lives in Comfort, Texas. He is currently in grade 12 and will graduate in June, 2010. He is taking his fight training at Kerrville Airport and has been working for FletchAir Inc. since 2009. Garner Rice recommends Clayton for the scholarship, describing him as a having an impressive work ethic that extends beyond the work place, inquisitive, a devoted employee and has a contagious excitement for his fight training. He is involved in his church teaching classes and as a choir member.

    Clayton’s teacher’s references describes him as having great leadership, integrity, intelligence, trust worthy and he does various volunteering in the community. He is respectful, well liked by his peers and has a mature attitude.

         Clayton’s grandfather was a WWII pilot and his father worked on planes as far back as Clayton can remember. He aspires to be a pilot in the USAF. We are so pleased to be able to assist Clayton achieve his dream to fly.

    Clayton hopes to attend the 2010 AYA convention. This will give our membership an opportunity to congratulate him and encourage him as he continues his journey.

    Gavin Thompson – Gavin, 19, lives in Fredricksburg, Texas, and is in his freshman year at Austin Community College pursuing general studies. Once completed, he will transfer to a university to complete a Bachelor of Science in Aviation or a related field. Gavin works part time at Boot Ranch golf course and is considered a model employee setting a great example for others and is also a very giving individual. He is willing to go beyond the job description. His flight instructor, Ron Billie, has flown for over 50 years and instructed for over 10 and has never had a student as capable or dedicated as Gavin. He comes well prepared for each lesson and shows insight into aviation beyond his experience.

    Other interests include singing and guitar. His other extra-curricular activities over the past few years have included Toastmasters, music lessons, technical crew in a theatre, young men’s chorus, tour guide/volunteer, golf and athletics. As I read his references it is clear he is a young man of many talents and has a strong faith and parental influence to support him. Gavin’s goal is to have a career as a pilot.

    On behalf of the AYA Scholarship Committee, please join me in congratulating these fine young men.  Of course, we could not do this if it were not for the generosity and belief of promoting youth in aviation by you…our members.