Pilot training scholarship open for application

YANTKON, S.D. — The Yankton Regional Aviation Association Pilot Training Scholarship is for $1,000 and was established in 2005. It is one way the YRAA promotes general aviation in southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska. Past winners have come from Beresford, Elk Point, Vermillion, and Yankton, S.D.; and Bloomfield, Creighton, Crofton, Hartington, Laurel and Wynot. The YRAA has 95 members from towns in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.

The Bud Becker Memorial Flight Training Scholarship is for $1,000 and was established in 2014 by the Becker Family in memory of Roman “Bud” Becker, Hartington. The scholarship is one method the Becker Family is using to carry on Becker’s legacy by promoting general aviation.

Becker soloed on his 16th birthday, earned his private pilot certificate on his 17th birthday, received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award April 26, 2013, after having flown 70 years, and “went west” J uly 28, 2013, at age 87. Hartington Airport was renamed “Bud Becker Field” Aug. 23, 2009, in his honor.

Becker had a lifelong passion for aviation, an enduring commitment to his hometown and the airport he worked tirelessly to develop, and immense pride and love for his nine children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

Past winners of this scholarship came from Beresford, Creighton, Hartington, Wynot; and Mission Hill and Yankton, S. D.

The YRAA and Becker scholarships will be given to a “wannabe student” pilot or student pilot. The deadline for submitting applications for the scholarships is Aug. 1. Applications can be requested from Steve Hamilton, 2209 Burleigh St., Apt 201, Yankton, SD 57078-7208; or email skyhawk43v@gmail.com or call 605-665-8448.