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WILLIAMSON - The Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) has been a part of the Pike and surrounding communities for 13 years. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that gives 14 to 18 year old youth a unique opportunity to work on aircraft and learn to fly planes.

The program is set up so participants can learn from experienced aviation mentors who help these youth gain a hand-on experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance while exploring pathways to a possible career in the aviation industry including opportunities as pilots and Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics.

RAYAP held its annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, August 22 at Peach State Aerodrome in Williamson. Dale Carley was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, and four students were recognized for their hard work with the Above and Beyond Award, the Golden Wrench Award, the Silk Scarf Award, and the Soaring Achievement Award.

The achievements of the past year and those who helped students achieve those goals were recognized as well.

All photos are courtesy of Yvette Raimondi - Georgia Bluebird Photography.

Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Dale Carley was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Carley is a mentor in RAYAP. Dwayne Hudson, FAASTeam Program Manager (FAA Aviation Safety), made the presentation on the behalf of the FAA in their mission to recognize great pilots who have had 50 years or more of practicing and promoting safe aircraft flights with no revocations.

“The legacy that the Wright Brothers left is sitting right here,” he said. “Not only right here (pointing to Mr. Carley), but in every individual in this room that aviation has touched.”

“The Atlanta Flight Standards District Office is proud to present you with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award,” Hudson said. “Your professionalism as an airman has contributed to the safety of our National Airspace System and has enabled safe air travel by many Americans for more than a half century of flight.”

Hudson presented Carley and his wife with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award pin, an award certificate, decorative plaque, and a Certified Blue-Ribbon package containing an official copy of Carley’s airman records.

Student Awards

Four students were recognized for their hard work with the Above and Beyond Award, the Golden Wrench Award, the Silk Scarf Award, and the Soaring Achievement Award.

Daniel Baer was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for consistently exceeding expectations through exceptional dedication, teamwork, leadership, and service. He was always willing to step up, take initiative, and support fellow crew members without being asked and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of the entire team when assisting with projects, mentoring his peers, maintaining a positive attitude, and ensuring that every task was completed to the highest standard. The Above and Beyond Award celebrates the spirit of selfless service and recognizes the youth whose actions inspire others and strengthens the team by going above and beyond in every aspect of their participation.

Walker Gray was awarded the Golden Wrench Award for consistently exhibiting a strong work ethic, attention to detail, mechanical skill, and commitment to safety. He embraced hands on learning, took pride in the quality of his work, and showed the values of responsibility, teamwork, and continuous improvement through perseverance, curiosity, and willingness to learn that earned him the respect of his peers and mentors. His commitment reminds others that excellence in aviation is not only found in the sky, but also in the dedication, precision, and care of those who help make flight possible.

Conrad Foster was awarded the Silk Scarf Award for showing passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in aviation. This award is inspired by the timeless silk scarves worn by pioneering pilots and symbolizes determination and the spirit of adventure that has defined aviation throughout history. He demonstrated exceptional dedication to learning, personal growth, leadership, and a genuine enthusiasm for pursuing opportunities in aviation, and his achievement and character inspires other youth to reach new heights.

Taya Blalock was awarded the Soaring Achievement Award for showing the greatest personal and aviation growth during the year through determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning. She overcame challenges, embraced every opportunity to improve, and exemplified the spirit of aviation. Her progress serves as an inspiration to others, proving that with dedication and perseverance, the sky is never the limit.

Dream BIG!

Jim Sells began by asking why those involved in the program and those who donated to the program were present.

There were a few grandkids, but that wasn’t the reason that most were there.

He then asked for everyone under the age of 20 to stand up and told them, “You are God’s gift to us. You are the future. You are going to take over when we’re gone.”

He said that everybody here who helped out with this and in attendance wrote a check for “your benefit and for your formation” and they are investing in you to be better citizens, pilots, and mechanics, doctors, etc. and you can do well.

He told them that they are the future of our culture and America, and that they “have value beyond measure.”

He told them to dream big and asked them to clap for everyone who was helping them achieve their dreams with RAYAP.

Thanks and Highlights of 2026

James (Jim) Hoak told the history of RAYAP. It began 13 years ago with 7 or 8 students and continued even after the passing of Ron Alexander with the help of the Board and supporters. Close to 40 students have gotten their start as pilots in this program. He challenged students to challenge themselves to learn as much as they can and stay motivated.

Program Dana Vinson thanked those who are investing in students and helping this next generation of aviators in the program. Cindy Vinson said that these aviators are learning life lessons reinforcing the accountability, responsibility, and respect that they are learning at home.

Parents were thanked repeatedly throughout the night for their support of the program and allowing their kids to be a part of RAYAP.

There have been many fundraisers over the past year. There was a corvette and Luscombe Airplane raffle that helped raise money for the program. A Pancakes and Planes Events have been a lot of fun too. There are four fundraiser events every year. Another – actually two more! -- is coming up soon! The second hangar is finished enough that is keeps getting filled up. One of the goals is to build an air conditioned classroom in it.

And RAYAP hired its first full-time Philanthropy Manager this year. Melissa Langlois is working with businesses, donors, and community partners to build support for the program and expand opportunities for RAYAP students. Melissa Langlois can be reached at 678-603-8507 or Melissa@RAYAP.org.

Thanks and Highlights of 2026

The next Pancakes and Planes event will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Peach State Aerodrome located at 349 Jonathan’s Roost Road in Williamson. There will be plenty of food and fun at this event!

$10 donation for pancakes, sausage, coffee, and orange juice. $200 plane rides. $100 helicopter rides.

Aviation groups slated to be present include: Georgia State Patrol Aviation, Air Evac, Department of Natural Resources, and the Fayette County Drone Unit.

Simply Massage Clinic will be present and giving massages for donation. The Meriwether Animal Shelter will be there as well.

Youth Hangar Tours and Aviation Demos will be a part of the event as well.

Closing

RAYAP students don’t admire planes from a distance. Here in Pike County, students step into the hangar with mentors who have spent years in aviation, and they learn valuable knowledge that will help them to have a career in the aviation field.

A social media post from a few days ago says this best: “Some classrooms have four walls. RAYAP has a grass runway. On any given day at Peach State Aerodrome, young people are learning to build, maintain, understand – and eventually fly – airplanes. And that’s where a lot of stories begin.”

If you have a student aged 14 to 18 who is interested in the field of aviation – that includes mechanics and flying – contact Mrs. Vinson at info@rayap.org for more information.

Click here to learn more about RAYAP: www.rayap.org.