A Columbus North student is flying high in pursuit of a future in aviation.
Noah Shatto, 16, recently completed his first solo flight toward his private pilot’s license while his flight instructor and parents proudly watched at Columbus Municipal Airport, according to Columbus Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 729 President James Yrineo.
“In recognizing this achievement, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Lightspeed Aviation is awarding Noah with a Zulu Lightspeed Aviation Headset. Noah represents the fourth annual Ray Scholarship award recipient,” Yrineo said.
“The Ray Foundation, along with the EAA, established the Ray Scholarship for youth that want to pursue a journey in aviation. Working with local EAA chapters and matching chapter funds, an $11,000 scholarship is awarded to an active chapter student to be used toward their primary flight training.”
The local EAA Chapter 729 also offers Young Eagle flights events that offer free introductory airplane rides to children between the ages of 8 and 17. Last year, Columbus Chapter EAA conducted four flight events that flew more than 275 kids, Yrineo said. The program has provided more than 3,000 free flights to local youth since 1998.
In 2024, there are five scheduled Young Eagle flight events. Dates and information will be posted online at @eaa729.org or on the Facebook page for EAA Chapter 729. The chapter also offers advanced flight simulation training systems.
Chapter #729 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. EAA’s mission is to grow participation in aviation through flying, building, restoring and volunteer outreach, sharing “The Spirit of Aviation” and encouraging all who wish to participate.
