EAA Chapter 240 invests in the future of aviation through a number of programs and initiatives, an example of which is the Fred Kacena Flight Training Scholarship which provides awardees with flying lessons valued at up to $4,000 per awardee.
The annual scholarship program is offered by EAA240 in memory of the late Fred Kacena, a founding and active member of the chapter for over 40 years and a generous donor of a major financial gift to the chapter. It continuance is enabled by generous sponsorship from EAA240 members, promoting aviation for youths.
The Chapter board and the general membership decided that the most appropriate use of Fred’s and Chapter membership generosity should be a scholarship fund for youngsters, boys and girls, who can demonstrate an interested in learning to fly and are deserving of financial assistance to realize their dream. Each year EAA240 members have donated funds to sustain the program, and through their generosity we have been able to offer these unique flight training opportunities for qualified youngsters. After a break in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic we are pleased to report that membership funding has been gifted for 2021, with a generous donation from the The Stott Foundation, who equally support and promote youth in aviation and, as a result, we are able to restart the program.
EAA240 is proud of the accomplishments of the program over recent years, with several of the Scholarship Awardee’s having gone onto further education and success in aviation, with several now holding professional roles as commercial and military pilots and many other continuing their aviation interests becoming pilots and flight instructors. The EAA240 Scholarship works!
Fred Kacena Scholarship Award – 2023 (the Board is currently assessing if we can offer Scholarships in 2023 (Oct 2022))
Our process begins May 1st when we accept applications from interested applicants between the ages of 16 and 23, and who meet the requirements of the award (listed on the application form, see below). Applicants must be US citizens and resident in the Tri-State area. Flight training will take place at the Flight Connection Flying School based at New Garden Flying Field, Pennsylvania. Please read the application form (attachment below) very carefully before applying.
The closure date for applications is Monday, June 14th, and the Selection and Oversight Committee will review applications and interview a shortlist of candidates. The EAA240 Board and Selection Committee will announce and notify the successful awardees during July, and flight training at the New Garden Flight Connection Flight School at New Garden Flying Field, can then commence.
Regular reporting of the awardee’s accomplishments and flight training progress are reported to the Scholarship Oversight Committee. Awardees will join the EAA240 membership and periodically present on their progress at Chapter Meetings. Awardees will also be assigned a Pilot Wingman, and experienced EAA240 pilot, who will act as a mentor and be available for consultation and support as required.
Interested applicants can get more information, including the application forms and instructions by clicking here: Flight Training Scholarship Application (5-2021) (32 downloads)
Please address any additional questions here: scholarship@eaa240.org