Youth Programs

Chapter 563 consistently supports youth aviation education. We have been active in the Ray Aviation Scholarship program since 2019, with a 100% pass rate. The chapter has been selected for its eighth year in a row by national EAA headquarters, and candidate selection will begin at the local level in late March. We look for teenagers who have passed their FAA medical exam, completed multiple flight lessons, and demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the learning process. Students active within the chapter receive greater consideration. Historically, the chapter has also directly provided small training grants to runner-ups with high potential. Contact Rob Meyer for more information. 

The chapter also covers half the registration fee to send a local teenager to the EAA Air Academy Lodge at AirVenture in Oshkosh each July. Attendees can often apply for individual EAA 'camperships' to further lower the total trip cost from $800. This provides an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to EAA's mission and activities while networking with those on similar career paths. EAA 563 sponsors an annual scholarship to local students pursuing an aviation mechanic career at Lincoln Land Community College. 

The EAA's Young Eagles program offers free introductory flights to anyone between the ages of 8 and 17. Since 1992, more than two million such flights have been donated nationwide. Chapter 563 has had more than 30 volunteer pilots, who together have flown a combined 1,700 young people. We use EAA's online registration system for Young Eagles events; search by ZIP code '61615' on the EAA Chapters site for upcoming dates during the flying season. With further questions, contact the Young Eagles coordinator, Todd Moore (eagles@eaa563.org). 

Pilots interested in volunteering are always welcome and appreciated. EAA requires all pilot volunteers working with youth to complete an online training course and a background check through the Youth Protection Program. Because of this, pilots must be at least 18 years of age. Once certified (valid for 3 years), notify Todd to be added to the pilot roster for future rallies.

Chapter 563 invites high school students to participate in our chapter's airplane build projects. Working alongside experienced build mentors every Saturday, students gain hands-on experience with aluminum metalworking, riveting, and aircraft construction techniques. Our current project is a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer, now approaching completion after several years of build sessions and thousands of hours. Interested students and families are welcome to pop by any Saturday morning to see the work in progress and meet the team. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with shop work, we'll teach you how to safely and effectively use all of the tools you would need to make your very own airplane!

More details, including the Cruzer project description and build log, are available here. To access the Cruzer For Sale listing, click here.

Beyond building and flying, Chapter 563 supports aviation education in a broader community context. We work with the Flight Club at Dunlap High School and have previously sponsored an aviation Explorers Post for nearby youth. Chapter members are also available to visit schools and speak about their personal aviation journeys, careers in aviation, and the role of the EAA. If you'd like to arrange a visit or event with us, reach out at info@eaa563.org.