Nick Hanssen stands with his parents, Cheri and David Hanssen. The $10,000.00 scholarship
from Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 485 and Ray aviation will be used for
flight training instruction. [SPECIAL TO GATEHOUSE MEDIA FLORIDA]

ACE — Nicholas Hanssen of Pace, son of David and Cheri Hanssen, has received a $10,000.00 scholarship for flight training, thanks to Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 485 of Pensacola (the “Panhandle Pelicans”) and the Ray Aviation scholarship program.

The Ray Foundation’s Aviation Scholars program — administered by the EAA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin — provides up to $10,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The scholarship supports flight students through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certification.

The foundation has provided $1 million annually nationwide to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standard of 20 percent completion rate to 80 percent for program participants. The initiative is designed to help meet the tremendous future demand for pilots and associated aviation careers.

Nicholas is a 2019 West Florida Baptist Academy graduate and a cadet lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol Captain Haines Squadron at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

He started training in May at the Wrong Brothers Aviator Training School at Ferguson Airport in Pensacola.

Nicholas has been involved in aviation since he was 11 years old. He has won various scholarships through the years, including two from the National Flight Academy. His membership in CAP was instrumental to achieving his flight training goals.

CAP supports youths and young adults ages 12-21 who are interested in aviation. More information about CAP is at http://units.flwg.us/FL460.aspx.

Crowd gathering before award ceremony.

Nick Hanssen and girlfriend chatting before award ceremony.

President John McKiernan welcoming attendees.

Secretary Mark Rogers “hatting” our newest member.

Nick introducing himself.

Nick introducing himself with chapter scholarship logo in background.

Ralph explaining how the money will be disbursed.

Ray committee plus Nick with “the check”.

Treasurer, Nick, Ray Coordinator, and President.

Nick signing the Training Contract.

Ralph signing the Training Contract.

Ralph presenting Nick his “Inbox”.

Ralph explaining what a magazine is to millennial Nick...

Ray Coordinator Ralph Moser congratulating winner Nick Hanssen.

Scott Swanson tried to solo him Thursday, June 20th at JKA, but winds were out of flight school limits for solo. So Christian Kidder had the honors Saturday, June 22nd at Foley. Hence both names on his shirt-tail.

FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) John Jenista
congratulates Nick on a “good solid checkride. Including one
of the best short-field landings, soft-field takeoffs, and slips
to landing that I have seen”.

Ferguson Chief Flight Instructor Christian Kidder adds his
congratulations.

Chapter 485 Ray Scholarship Coordinators Craig Spoke (left)
and Ralph Moser (right) join in the celebration.

John Jenista hands Nick his new private pilot certificate;
“careful, the ink is still wet”.

From www.nwfdailynews.com