By Tyler Wurm, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Background and Motivation
I am 18 years old, and although I did not initially plan to become a pilot, my interest in aviation developed over time through the experiences I gained. I joined 170 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in 2019 to explore my interest and progressed to the rank of flight sergeant, where I upheld high training standards, mentored junior cadets, and taught weekly aviation classes. The moment that truly solidified my desire to become a pilot was my first familiarization flight in a Cessna 172 (C-FIIK) out of St. Andrews in 2019 with one of the squadron’s civilian instructors. That day, I knew I wanted to commit to pursuing aviation seriously.
During high school, I completed the Aviation Ground School Diploma Program at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, earning a high average across all eight aviation-related courses. The program emphasized safety, concept understanding, and collaboration, which now guides my approach to flying. In 2023, I was selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient through my local EAA Chapter 63, allowing me to begin private pilot license training at Harv’s Air in St. Andrews, Manitoba, in the summer of that year.
Currently, I am building up my solo PIC time for my commercial pilot license. This past winter, I completed my PPL flight test in January and got to take my dad and grandpa up for some city tour flights. Recently, I have completed both my night and VFR over-the-top ratings and have been advancing to more complex aircraft. I am enrolled as a first-year student at Providence University in Otterburne, Manitoba, pursuing a four-year aviation degree with a three-year business minor. Since the spring of 2023, I have had a part-time job at Perimeter Aviation as a ramp agent, where I am consistently exposed to unique operational situations and have gained valuable insight into daily airline operations.
My inspiration to apply for the Ray Aviation Scholarship
I was inspired to apply because I saw it as an opportunity to pursue and earn my private pilot license while still in high school. Honestly, I had never really won anything before, so when I found out about the scholarship, my parents encouraged me to apply. Their exact words were, “What do you have to lose?” That simple advice pushed me to take a chance, and deciding to apply has truly been life-changing. Without the assistance the Ray Aviation Scholarship provided, I would 100 percent not be in the same position I am today.
Was there a specific moment or person that sparked your passion for flying?
Aviation has always been in the stories I grew up with, as four generations of my father’s family had been involved in aviation, dating back to World War I. What truly solidified my passion was my very first familiarization flight through Air Cadets on March 17, 2019. I was offered the opportunity to sit right seat in a Cessna 172 for a city tour of Winnipeg with my cadet squadron’s familiarization pilot. I experienced firsthand the thrill and challenge of flying. That moment sparked a fascination that has only grown, motivating me to pursue my private pilot license in high school and commit to progressing forward in my training.
Scholarship and application process
I first heard about the Ray Aviation Scholarship through my dad, who collaborated with the father of the previous year’s recipient. Knowing my passion for aviation, he thought I should apply and passed the application along. I realized I was just old enough to be eligible, and even though I discovered it very close to the deadline, I quickly jumped at the opportunity and submitted my application.
How did you feel when you found out you had won the Ray Aviation Scholarship?
I received the initial phone call from my chapter late in the evening and, at first, let it go to voicemail because I thought it might be a scam. Once I listened to the message, I immediately called back as quickly as I could. Originally, I was silent as I was unsure how to process the news, and it took a few days for the full impact to sink in. Looking back, my reaction was a mix of genuine surprise and excitement. That was not how I expected my evening to end with being offered the scholarship. It definitely was a pivotal moment in my aviation career and not one I am going to forget.
What has been your most memorable flight or aviation experience so far?
The most memorable flights of my aviation experience so far have been my solo cross-country flights. My first solo cross-country was to Lac du Bonnet, an area of Manitoba I had spent years camping in. Flying there on my own was an extremely unique experience, as what normally takes two hours by car took only 30 minutes by plane. My second cross-country flight was more challenging, as it involved flying over Winnipeg and navigating more advanced airspace. At first, it felt daunting, but I quickly understood that it was not anything that I had not already learnt. That flight took me to Altona, a place I had never driven to before, and experiencing it from the air was both exciting and challenging as I almost flew past the field. My solo cross-country trips taught me a lot about trusting myself as well as being adaptable, as not everything that gets planned is what will happen.
What skills have you developed through your aviation journey that you are most proud of?
The skills I am most proud of developing are a combination of aviation knowledge and leadership abilities. On the aviation side, learning to navigate different types of airspace, perform cross-country flights to new places, and operate multiple types of aircraft safely has taught me precision, safety, and adaptability with problem-solving. Beyond flying, I am proud of the leadership and mentorship skills I have developed through my time as a senior cadet and as a volunteer with Young Eagles. These opportunities from the scholarship have strengthened my communication and teamwork abilities. The skills that not only make me a better pilot but also allow me to contribute positively to the aviation community.
Goals and aspirations
My short-term goals are to continue volunteering at EAA Chapter 63 events, as well as progressing in my role at the Manitoba Aviation Museum. I am planning to complete my CPL flight test this summer. At the moment, I am completing time building as well as ground school to be able to achieve that goal. My long-term plan is to finish my four-year aviation degree in three years and potentially graduate a year early. I hope to potentially take on a flightline role at Perimeter Aviation, either on the Dash or Metro Airframes, once I graduate from university with all my requirements.
How do you contribute to the aviation community?
I have been actively involved in the aviation community since receiving my scholarship and joining Chapter 63 in 2019. Through Chapter 63, I regularly volunteer as ground crew during Young Eagles events and participate in outreach initiatives such as workshop days and promotional events.
While attending Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, I took part in multiple open house events to promote and advocate for the school’s aviation program. I had the unique opportunity to be part of the 2025 graduating class that presented “Top Gun at the Heights,” an event where we welcomed elementary school students to our high school and introduced them to aviation through hands-on learning and demonstrations.
More recently, I have been volunteering at the Manitoba Aviation Museum as a greeter and event support staff member. Shortly, I will have taken on a new role within the Visitor Experience team as an ambassador. Additionally, at my university, my advanced training has allowed me to support fellow students in the Year One program by helping them understand aviation concepts and procedures related to their private pilot license training, allowing them to be more prepared for their flights.
What advice would you give to other students who are passionate about aviation and want to follow a similar path?
Simply to get involved! The aviation community is full of opportunities, many of which are not widely advertised. Sometimes it seems like there is nothing to participate in, but often it is just a matter of looking more closely. Volunteering at outreach events or helping out at local airports can be good opportunities. Joining programs like Air Cadets or Young Eagles can help you get your foot in the door and expose you to the community. The more you engage, the more you can learn and the connections you make help build your personal aviation journey.
How has the Ray Aviation Scholarship changed your outlook or opened new opportunities for you?
It has opened up incredible opportunities for me. It allowed me to pursue my private pilot license while still in high school, an experience that would have been impossible to achieve otherwise. Outside of training, the scholarship connected me with a community that gave me the opportunity to participate in outreach programs like Young Eagles. These opportunities have inspired me to mentor others who are just starting their aviation journeys. The scholarship has not only advanced my skills as a pilot but also strengthened my commitment to giving back and helping support new aviators.
What is something about aviation that most people do not understand or appreciate, in your opinion?
Aviation is not just about flying the airplane. From the outside, it may seem straightforward, but in reality, it requires a careful balance of teamwork, planning, adaptability, and constant attention to the situation. The best pilots understand both the technical aspects of the aircraft as well as the human factors at play, and it is this combination that creates a successful aviator. Many non-aviators do not realize how much goes into safely and effectively piloting an aircraft. What seems simple often involves countless decisions and factors behind the scenes that can make or break a flight. Throughout my training, I have learnt the importance of this and continue to pass this idea forward throughout my personal flights as well as down to those I have taught.
The Ray Aviation Scholarship provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover flight training expenses. Learn more about the Ray Aviation Scholarship here.