Aviation Flight Training Scholarships
It’s no secret that pilot training requires a significant investment, but thankfully there are resources to help. Sporty’s Flight Training Central has compiled a list of those resources that contain hundreds of awards worth millions of dollars that can be applied to various phases of pilot training. Please check carefully for eligibility and deadlines and remember these important tips:
- Carefully review scholarship requirements to ensure eligibility before applying
- Be meticulous in reviewing forms and items that must be submitted with applications and be accurate in your completion
- Stand out in the crowd – include background, service and experiences that are uniquely you
- Don’t procrastinate – if required to obtain a letter of reference, start early and don’t expect those who may offer recommendations to be able to deliver a polished letter on a day’s notice
- Respect the deadlines – deadlines do not mean post marked. Allow enough time for your applications to arrive well ahead of deadline
AOPA
AOPA Flight Training Scholarships can be used for flight training expenses in pursuit of a primary pilot certificate or advanced rating. In past years, AOPA has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to high school students, teachers, and adults in flight training.
Find more on AOPA scholarships here.
CareerOneStop
The powerful scholarship finding tool on CareerOneStop can be used for aviation specific scholarships. Multiple organizations publish available scholarships via this portal.
Find more on CareerOneStop scholarships here.
EAA
EAA’s scholarships are supported by dozens of donors, benefactors, and others who “pass it forward” by endowing these programs. In all, EAA awards more than $1 million in aviation scholarships each year.
Find more on EAA scholarships here
National Air Transportation Foundation
The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF), the research and educational arm of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), offers several categories of scholarships.
Find more on NATA scholarships here.
National Business Aviation Association
The NBAA Charities Scholarship Program, generously supported by NBAA member donors, offers nearly $100,000 annually in awards as tuition reimbursement for enrolled students and nearly the same amount in monetary and training awards for working professionals in business aviation, including pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians.
Find more on NBAA scholarships here.
Ninety-Nines
Each year Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships are usually awarded to qualified members for five different scholarship types, including two specialized scholarships: an Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship and an International Scholarship for pilots in developing countries. In addition, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) provides Research Scholarship Grants and, for Student Pilot members, the First Wings Awards. 99s members and other individuals have donated to the Fund through their estate bequests, individual gifts, and the Perpetual Scholarship program.
Find more on ninety-nines scholarships here.
Women in Aviation International
Scholarship awards are a major benefit of membership in Women in Aviation International (WAI). They help members reach their goals and advance into the aviation and aerospace industry.
The 2024 Scholarship Program is now open with more than 100 awards available valued at over $1m. Applicants must by a member of WAI by October 1 and maintain membership through March 2024. The deadline to apply is Oct. 12, 2023.
Find more on WAI scholarships here.
