Jake Owsley, our second Ray scholar, earned his CFI certificate on March 26, 2024. Jake, his brother Josh, and his father Kevin are active members of the Chattahoochee Valley EAA Chapter 677 in Columbus, Georgia.
Jake, EAA 1283935, has maintained focus and worked hard since his first Young Eagles flight in January 2020. He was awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship in May that year, earned his private pilot certificate in July, and flew his first Young Eagle in January 2021. While attending college, he continued to be active in chapter events and has flown at Young Eagles rallies every year. In February, he was the first chapter pilot to achieve 10 for 2024.
Jake said, “Your first flight is always a special experience, so being able to provide this opportunity to Young Eagles is awesome.”
He went on to say, “Coming back month after month, you end up seeing the same kids and get the chance to start building connections with them…giving them advice in starting their aviation path. It’s awesome hearing where they are in that path whenever they come back to fly with us!”
In December 2023, he graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor of science in professional flight. While at Auburn he served as a Striped Wings Ambassador, helping recruit and mentor aviators and promote aviation.
Jake recently received a qualified job offer as a Delta pilot candidate through the Propel by Delta Program, and continues to serve as a flight instructor at AU working his way toward his ATP requirements.
Read more about Jake and his journey from Young Eagle to CFI:
https://inspire.eaa.org/2021/02/04/ray-scholar-gives-back/
https://inspire.eaa.org/2020/08/05/checkride-milestone-jake-owsley/