EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Program Reaches 600 Pilots

USA – The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program continues to make a difference for young people pursuing aviation dreams, as 600 scholarship recipients have completed flight training and earned their pilot certificates.

The scholarship program is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapter network. The program awards scholarships to qualified applicants to help them achieve their aviation aspirations. The foundation has expanded its funding for the scholarship program to $2.25 million for 2025, including a boost of up to $12,000 per individual scholarship.

“EAA and the Ray Foundation continue to see the direct benefit the Ray Aviation Scholarship program has on students with pilot aspirations,” says Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “The completion rate of our scholars remains at approximately 80 percent, a near inverse of the national average.”

There are EAA chapter and scholar eligibility requirements for the Ray Aviation Scholarship that indicate a commitment to success. Once a chapter is approved for the program, it nominates the chosen scholar for EAA’s final review. Many chapters are granted the full $12,000 for their selected scholar, but some chapters have committed 25 percent of the award, to secure their slot in the program. All EAA and divisional chapters in the United States and Canada are eligible for a grant up to $12,000.

The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation and EAA award a Zulu 3 headset to each scholar after they complete solo flight or, if they soloed pre-scholarship, after passing the written exam. This recognizes the scholar as they progress and ultimately complete flight training.

About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft.

Source: EAA

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Enhances Training with Data-Driven CORe Pilot Training Module

CAE has announced the introduction of its new Continuously Optimized Recurrent (CORe) training module, designed to enhance business aviation training through data-driven insights. This optional module integrates seamlessly into the standard five-day recurrent training program while maintaining regulatory compliance.

  • Key Features: CORe training leverages data from CAE Rise™, OEM flight operations, quality assurance reports, and pilot feedback to personalize and optimize pilot training.
  • Data-Driven Approach: The module adapts recurrent training to focus on real-world operational trends and pilot-specific needs, ensuring skills are continuously honed in alignment with the latest industry standards.
  • Seamless Integration: CAE confirmed that CORe training integrates into existing recurrent training schedules without compromising compliance or increasing training time.

Statement’s

  • “CORe training is a new data-driven business aviation training module from CAE that seamlessly integrates into the standard 5-day Recurrent Training without affecting regulatory compliance,” said Carlos Carpio.

Now available at CAE’s Las Vegas Training Center, CORe is set to expand across North America, offering a transformative training experience designed to optimize pilot performance and readiness.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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German Pilot Training Organization Names New Chief Flight Instructor in 2024

Berlin, Germany-based SKY4U, a well-known simulator training company which amongst other programs offers a Ryanair-approved APS MCC, has announced the appointment of Michael Brannath as its new Chief Flight Instructor.

Statement:

  • “After already working with this incredible team for the past couple of years, I’m honored to step into this new leadership position. SKY4u Aviation Service is committed to delivering top-tier flight training, and I look forward to helping shape the next generation of aviation professionals. With a passion for aviation and a dedication to excellence, I am excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of SKY4u,” said Michael Brannath.

Learn more about SKY4u Aviation Service GmbH or Brannath by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Michael Brannath (SKY4u Aviation Service GmbH)

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Brussels Airlines Joins Europe’s Largest Aviation Gathering Pilot Expo 2025 Taking Place in Brussels in February 2025

Brussels, Belgium – Pilot Expo has announced the participation of Brussels Airlines in Pilot Expo 2025, set to take place in the airline’s home city on February 21 – 22, 2025 at Skyhall, Brussels Airport, Belgium. The event, one of Europe’s largest aviation career fairs, will feature opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals to connect with Brussels Airlines and explore career paths.

Brussels Airlines’ fleet comprised of A319, A320, A320neo, and A330. The airline has a cadet program in collaboration with Skywings Flight Training Academy offering partial sponsorship. Brussels Airlines is currently looking for Cabin Crew Members and A320 Type Rated and Non Type Rated First Officers.

About Pilot Expo
The International Pilot Recruitment and Training Expo is Europe’s largest aircrew recruitment and training event, attracting over 5,000 visitors, 100+ exhibitors, and 50+ speakers. It serves as an excellent platform where experienced pilots, recent flight school graduates, and aspiring aviators connect with major airlines, recruitment agencies, and training organizations.

Pilot Expo comprises three main components:

1. Exhibition (Trade Show): This two-day event provides pilots, cabin crew members, engineers, and other aviation professionals with opportunities to explore new job prospects. Meanwhile, young aspiring aviators can discover numerous training options, cadet programs, and financing possibilities.

2. Conferences: Held on both days, the conference features two parallel tracks – “Aces” for licensed pilots and “Future Pilots” for the next generation of flight crew. Each track addresses the specific concerns of its target audience. Aviation professionals from over thirty countries share their expertise, knowledge, and insights on the most current topics.

3. Airliners’ Party: Taking place on Friday night between the two exhibition days, this event offers exhibitors and visitors an excellent opportunity to relax and reconnect with colleagues in an informal setting, while enjoying music, snacks, and drinks. For many, it’s a long-awaited chance to reunite with flight school friends and cockpit colleagues.

Additionally, several world-renowned aviation influencers typically hold Meet & Greet events with their followers during Pilot Expo.

About Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines is the home carrier of Belgium and one of the four network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. It connects the European capital from Brussels Airport with over 85 destinations, 17 of which are in Sub Saharan Africa. The company employs 3,100 people and operates 41 aircraft.

Source: Pilot Expo
Photo Credit: Pilot Expo

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