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Two local high school students were recently awarded Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Ray Aviation Scholarship awards, which contribute to the training expenses for students’ private pilot licenses and further their young careers in aviation.
Hunter Hollowell and Sierra Combs, both seniors at Fishers High School (FHS), grew up in the same neighborhood in Fishers and have a common interest and passion for aviation. Both completed their first solo flights at age 16, and are currently in the final phases of obtaining their private pilot licenses this fall. Both students plan to further their aviation education in college, and pursue careers as commercial pilots.
Hollowell has always had a passion for automobiles ever since he was a toddler, mastering a riding lawn mower at age 8 and successfully competing in an adult kart racing league at age 10. He now participates in the Fishers Car Club and various local car shows. At age 12 he completed his first discovery flight and found his love for the air. In 2019 he found the local EAA Chapter 67 in Noblesville, and has received instrumental teaching, mentoring, coaching and guidance from its members, which led to the scholarship and licensing opportunity. This summer Hollowell attended EAA Advanced Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During his current senior year at FHS, Hollowell is also serving as a career intern at Tom Wood Aviation in Fishers.
Combs completed the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Solo Flight Academy in July of 2021 at age 16.
Both students are currently finalizing their plans for college, and completing college visits to narrow down their school choices. For these two young pilots-to-be, the sky is the limit.
The local EAA Chapter 67 in Noblesville hosts Young Eagles events each summer to introduce youth to the air, and holds multiple events to educate and promote aviation. For more information, visit eaa67.org.
