Scholarship

The Chapter has established a Train-A-Pilot Scholarship in memory of Loren Hodge's accomplishments in pushing the frontiers of flight forward. The Scholarship is administered under the auspices of the Loren Hodge Aviation Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation is organized within chapter 274, which is a nonprofit IRS 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization. The Foundation is dedicated to providing an opportunity in aviation for highly motivated, dedicated and bright students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to fly. The Train-A-Pilot Program is organized to identify, sponsor and guide deserving young people in obtaining a private pilot license as the beginning step in their achievements in the field of aviation. Ground and flight training performance standards are established.

The candidate is responsible for the cost of and must pass the FAA 3^rd class medical examination before beginning his/her training.
The ground school requirements will be determined by the Flight Instructor in coordination with the Train-A-Pilot Committee.
Cost of books and materials necessary for completion of ground school are the candidate's responsibility.
The airplane and instructor will be provided by the Train-A-Pilot program based on availability and subject to committee approval.
The candidate must fly on a regular weekly basis and maintain an attendance consistent with satisfactory skill level development as determined by the instructor and the Train-A-Pilot Committee.
The Train-A-Pilot Foundation will provide funds for the training and for the FAA examiner and 'check ride' when the candidate is determined to be ready by the instructor and the Train-A-Pilot Committee.
The candidate must perform in an acceptable manner through all phases of training as determined by the instructor and the Train-A-Pilot Committee.
The Train-A-Pilot Committee has the final authority to dismiss a candidate, at any time, based on their sole discretion in assessing the performance and progress of the candidate.

Train-A-Pilot eligibility requirements for prospective candidates are established.

The candidate must be 16 to 18 years of age.
The candidate must display an interest in an aviation career.
The candidate must have maintained a “B” grade average in academic school work.
The candidate must have parental permission and support for the training process.
The candidate, if selected, must become a member of the local EAA Chapter 274 and of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
The candidate must have the time and ability to study, and fly 1-2 times per week (subject to the flight instructor schedule) without interfering with school studies.
The candidate must pass a 3^rd class medical examination administered by a designated FAA medical examiner.
The candidate must be able to provide his/her own transportation to the airport at which flight training is conducted at the scheduled times consistent with the instructor's availability.
The candidate is expected to schedule activity to complete flight training by December 31^st. of the year the candidate is selected. Completion of requirements for issuance of an FAA Pilot's License will not be extended beyond April 1^st of the year following selection.

Candidate applications are solicited by distributing Train-A-Pilot application packets to all high schools as well as boy's and girl's clubs/groups (YMCA, YWCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts are examples) in school districts in Illinois represented by the EAA Chapter 274 membership. Fixed base operators at airports near by and interested business firms may also be used to disseminate Train-A-Pilot application information. Applications are distributed in February and must be returned before May 1^st for the Train-A-Pilot Committee to begin the selection process. The application form may be printed and completed by the applicant following directions included. Applicants should realize that the selection process is competitive based on the application, a short oral presentation to the Chapter Membership at the May Membership Meeting, and demonstrated participation in aviation related activities. It is important that the application provide a good “picture” of the applicant and the applicant's family. The applicant's presentation to the Chapter should reflect realistic goals that are specific and meaningful, aptitude to excel in the Train-A-Pilot Program, and motivation and maturity to successfully complete the Program.

The Train-A-Pilot selection process involves both the Train-A-Pilot Committee and the Chapter membership. A three-to-five member Train-A-Pilot Committee selected from the Chapter membership and appointed by the Chapter Board of Directors will review all applications. The applications of the five best candidates will be presented to the membership during the regular May Chapter meeting for vote by the membership in attendance to determine the selected candidate(s).

About fifty percent of the approximately $5,000 per year Train-A-Pilot Program has been from private and corporate gifts/contributions. Charlie Brown (CFI), the long-time Chapter 274 Newsletter Editor and member, conducted a ground school course at least twice a year that was open to anyone who wanted to attend. His registration fees have been donated to the Chapter's Train-A-Pilot Program. The remaining support is from Chapter pancake breakfasts, chili dinners, member contributions and sales of Chapter paraphernalia. The large number of highly motivated young people who have applied annually for this EAA Chapter 274 Train-A-Pilot Program has been the impetus to increase the number of trainees to two per year, as funding sources are developed.

It shall be the objective of the Chapter's Train-A-Pilot Program to encourage young people who have completed the Train-A-Pilot Program to maintain an association with the Chapter and to share achievements and aspirations with chapter members. It is also the Programs objective that Chapter members should share encouragement and support through linkages with others in the aviation community to provide counsel and references to promote the aviation interests and career of each program completer.

Mail you application to:

Train-A-pilot
Hangar 102A, Decatur Airport
Decatur, IL 62521

Donation

Chapter 274 is unique among EAA Chapters. The Chapter's Illinois Charter is a non-profit corporation and it doesn't collect or remit sales tax on sales. The Chapter does pay sales tax on all purchases. The Chapter is the umbrella organization for the Loren Hodge Scholarship Foundation (Train-A-Pilot). Chapter 274 is a nonprofit IRS 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization. It is an IRS requirement that “The earnings of the Chapter shall not inure to the benefit of or be distributed to Chapter members, Officers or Directors, except that the Chapter shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the stated purpose of the Chapter- - -“.

Your donation to the Train-A-Pilot Foundation is tax deductible.

Train-A-Pilot
Hangar 102A, Decatur Airport
Decatur, IL 62521