Earlier this month, Butler’s local branch of the Experimental Aircraft Association granted a full-scholarship flight training opportunity to local resident Colin Daniello, thanks to the EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship.

Introduced in 2019, the Ray Aviation Scholarship provides scholarship opportunities of up to $11,000 for those who are looking to make a career out of aviation. More than 350 youths have benefited from the program so far.

Butler’s local branch of the EAA, Chapter 857 is based at Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township and is one of 900 local chapters of the organization whose national headquarters is in Oshkosh, Wisc.

Over this summer, EAA Chapter 857 is hosting three “Young Eagle Rallies” at Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport, where youths between the ages of 8 and 17 can receive their first flight in a general aviation aircraft. Participants can also pick up information on how to pursue aviation as a career, and how to qualify for the Ray Aviation Scholarship.

The Young Eagle Rallies will take place June 10, Aug. 12 and Sept. 9.