Suttons Bay junior Joel Plamondon has received a unique $11,000 full-scholarship opportunity for flight training in order to earn his private pilot’s license, thanks to EAA Chapter 234 of Traverse City and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“It means a ton to me. I’ve been looking forward to flying my entire life,” Plamondon said.
Plamondon and his grandfather, Steve, just returned from a trip to the largest airshow in the world in Oshkosh, Wisconsin last week.
The group of family and friends packed up the fifthwheeler and headed to Wisconsin to meet pilots, watch planes, and find some new gear and equipment.
“This scholarship will help me save money and is super helpful with lessons,” Plamondon said.
Flight lessons can cost north of $200 each.
Plamondon is infatuated with aviation and was originally inspired by watching the Blue Angels at the annual Traverse City airshow where he has worked as a volunteer in past years when his grandfather ran the air show.
“This young man is absolutely enthusiastic for aviation,” EAA chapter president Jim Sorbie said.
Plamondon’s plan is to go to the Air Force or Navy with the goal of one day flying commercial airlines.
“I went on a plane ride when I was 7-years-old and I’ve known ever since then that’s what I want to do. People have constantly motivated me,” Plamondon said.
The Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $11,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $1.8 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 350 youths 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.
Plamondon is involved in several volunteer organizations and is a hockey player. He also works full time in the summer on a local cherry farm.
Plamondon will be training at Giving Wings Aviation based at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. 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, the scholars commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter and the aviation community.
EAA Chapter 234 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. The group meets at Legacy Aviation Learning Center on the second Thursday of each month. More information on EAA Chapter 234 is available at EAA Chapter 234 (eaa234.org).
EAA will host two free flights for youths on August 24 in Cadillac and then September 21 in Bellaire.
