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RICHMOND, Ky. — Emmitt Brock, an Eastern Kentucky University student who is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in aviation with a concentration in professional flight and aerospace management, is a beneficiary of last year’s Experimental Aircraft Association aviation scholarship.
Brock said his passion for flying developed from a young age through spending time with his great uncle.
“Uncle Bob was super passionate about aviation," he said. "I mean, it’s textbook. He loved airplanes. It’s just motivated me to get here because aviation, something that I’m passionate about, it’s almost like a family legacy. And I just want to carry it on."
The EAA Aviation Foundation serves as the charitable arm of EAA, offering two primary types of scholarships: flight training scholarships and post-secondary education scholarships.
Rebecca Greskoviak, EAA scholarship and fund stewardship coordinator, said the foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academics, active involvement in the aviation community, volunteer experience and a clear passion for pursuing specific goals in the field of flight.
“It is such an important field; recently there was a commercial pilot shortage," she said. "Right now, with the lack of air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, the support roles like that are really necessary to keep the world moving."
Brock said he wouldn’t be able to go to flight school without the scholarship. His biggest goal is to spread the joy of flying, he said.
“It’s one of my lifelong dreams; start a nonprofit to help students less fortunate to be able to fly because I think everybody should get to experience it at least once in their life,” Brock said.
Brock said he hopes to be an aerial firefighter pilot.
EAA has developed pathways to flight, making it easier, more affordable,and more accessible, awarding 84 Aviation Scholarships last year.
The EAA accepts applicants from all 50 states and Canada. The deadline to apply for the EAA Aviation Scholarship is Dec. 19.
