Despite COVID-19 causing many cancellations and disappointments in 2021, EAA Chapter 63 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, had a ray of sunshine — the successful completion of a private pilot’s licence by their first Ray scholar, Megan Lokstet. As an enthusiastic volunteer for the Young Eagles, Megan continues to be a tremendous ambassador for the EAA and the Ray Scholarship program.

With a chapter commitment to increasing youth in aviation, Chapter 63 holds Young Eagles rallies, Young Eagles Day Camps, owns a hangar, hosts the club build of an Emeraude, as well as monthly IMC/VMC Club meetings and other presentations for members. Confident they could successfully mentor another pilot-in-the-making again, they applied for a Ray Scholarship in 2022.

In February, Chapter 63 was notified it would be awarded another Ray Scholarship! After spreading the word in Manitoba’s aviation community, local flight schools, and to youth organizations, many applications were received. A diverse panel of men and women, young and old, with a variety of aviation experience independently reviewed all submissions. Virtual interviews were held with the top three candidates.

Despite not being selected as the Ray scholar in 2021, Tyler Paulet did not let that discourage him from pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot — he became more determined and motivated than ever to work toward a better application for the ‘next time.’ During his service as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Tyler participated in two years of ground school. He volunteered as a marshal during Young Eagles rallies, volunteered at many fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society, and worked two part-time jobs to pay for flight training on his own. With the passion of aviation in his blood, Tyler currently works as a ramp attendant with Perimeter Aviation, while attending high school and flight school. Having recently reached the milestone of his first solo, Tyler said being selected as a 2022 Ray scholar will give him the boost he needs to complete his private pilot’s licence by the end of the summer. 

When a selected Ray scholar has already achieved their first solo, they qualify for a reduced amount from the original $10,000. This leaves the chapter the ability to apply the remaining funds to another worthy candidate. 

While flying from the right seat of a friend’s 172 and hanging out and helping at Chapter 63’s Young Eagles rallies, Brett Tustin decided his destiny is to become a commercial pilot.  No stranger to hard work and determination, Brett persevered through the challenges of a debilitating injury he received on the way to a promising hockey career. Once Brett decided aviation was his pursuit, he joined the Air Cadet program, continued to deliver Meals on Wheels, and started a job as a ramp attendant with Northway Aviation, while maintaining impressive marks in school. Brett has acquired his restricted radio operator certificate, his written student pilot permit, and is working on ground school. Being selected as Chapter 63’s scholar has given Brett the confidence and financial momentum to pursue his dream.

EAA’s Chapter 63, based out of Lyncrest Airport (CJL5) just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba, congratulates both 2022 Ray scholars and is looking forward to mentoring both young men in achieving their aviation goals.