Amy Whelan, EAA 1283566, has put in a lot of work to get to where she is today. Now a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Amy has been awarded four different EAA scholarships throughout her aviation journey. Starting out with the ground school scholarship and the Air Academy scholarship, Amy brought the Ray Aviation Scholarship program to her home chapter, EAA Chapter 1541. Once the program was set up, she was promptly awarded the first scholarship.
“I was just trying to get [the Ray Aviation Scholarship] into the chapter,” Amy explained. “I didn’t know I was going to be the one who was awarded it!”
Since receiving this award in September of 2019, Amy has gone on to receive the Jack Burnham Scholarship in March of this year. This post-secondary scholarship is helping her in her quest to become an airline pilot.
After being so involved with EAA, Amy is excited to be giving back.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without EAA,” Amy said, “so now being able to give back … it’s just been an incredible opportunity.”
Amy has done a couple of things to give back, including setting up a Young Aviators group at her home chapter and giving a Young Eagles flight to her chapter’s current Ray scholar. However, Amy isn’t done there.
“I’m going to be a junior mentor [at GirlVenture],” Amy said. “I’m hoping to interact with the girls and give them … all the information I’ve gathered. I didn’t come from an aviation-related background, so I’ve been exploring and finding my own way using the help of all the people at EAA.”
Amy also had some advice for young aviation enthusiasts.
“Just jump in feet first,” Amy said. “Be open to hearing everyone’s stories and learning from the people that are around you. It’s a really big community and, just being a part of it, you’ll learn so much.”