Michael Nordvik, Becker Schools graduate, received his private pilots license earlier this summer at St. Cloud Municipal Airport.

He had been selected to the Experimental Aircraft Association  Ray Aviation Scholar program.

This is one of about 90 chapters around the country to receive this scholarship for up to $10,000 for private pilot flight training for one scholar.

Michael became interested in private aircraft aviation in 2018, when a family friend, Joe Schmnich, became a certified flight instructor. He attended a rally in September, 2018 at the airport, received a ride on an airplane and a $200 ground school program training scholarship.

During the course of the winter, he attended training at the airport, each Monday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m.

In March, he passed his FAA medical examination and then studied for and passed the FAA written examination to become a private pilot.

That led to his passing his private pilot examination July 12, 2019.

Three people played big roles in his applying for scholarships, the flight training and promotion of his program. 

They included his pilot, Rob Clay, Princeton,  a mentor, Ken Olson from the chapter, and Carol Schimnich, who did the promoting for the progrram.

Among the highlights of his summer was as s scholar of the ‘EAA Ray Aviation program to fly to the Oshkosh and Appleton airports for their big mid-summer airshows.

He is employed in the construction business, so that is limiting his airtime so far this summer. But by being a private pilot, he can now fly Young Eagles and plans to be at their next rally at the St. Cloud airport Sept. 14.

He is the son of Tom and Beverly Nordvik of Blue Hill Twp. and was graduated from Jubilee Christian School in Becker in May. He is currently employed at New Look Contracting, Inc.

Persons interested in the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program at EAA551.org or call 1-320-248-8384.