Local EAA Chapter 1218 celebrates newest private pilots
Tue, 07/14/2026 - 12:17pm
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Will Pendergrass and Colton Russell, both from West Plains, officially earned their Private Pilot certificates. Will’s parents are David and Krista Pendergrass of West Plains, and Colton’s parents are Cody and Randi Russell of West Plains.
Pendergrass and Russell both completed their flight training through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1218 as a recipient of the prestigious EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship. The scholarship program, funded by the Ray Foundation and administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association, provides the funds to cover their flight training expenses.
“Passing the check ride is the culmination of months of dedication, studying, and hands-on flying” said Phyllis White, Scholarship Coordinator at EAA Chapter 1218. “We are incredibly proud of Will and Colton’s hard work. Our chapter is thrilled to help both of these young people achieve their dream of flight, and we cannot wait to see where aviation takes them next.”
To be awarded the Ray Aviation Scholarship they met strict eligibility requirements, which included being age 16-19, having taken an EAA Young Eagles flight and completing chapter volunteer service.
Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA has helped hundreds of young adults earn their pilot certificates since the program’s inception. Locally, EAA Chapter 1218 mentors these young aspiring pilots through every stage of their training.
For more information about the Ray Aviation Scholarship or to learn how local youth can get involved in aviation, please visit Chapter 1218 Facebook at EAA 1218, chapter website https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa1218 or call 417-233-1218.
EAA Chapter 1218 is a local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association based at the Willow Springs Airport. Our members are passionate about aviation and dedicated to sharing the spirit of aviation through youth mentoring, Young Eagles flight, and community education. The chapter gatherings are held on the second Saturday of the month, times vary. They meet at Chapter Hangar, 810 Bryan Street, Willow Springs, Mo.