Scholarship and Financing Options
Scholarship Options for Flight Training
Pursuing a career in aviation can be costly, but there are several scholarship options available to help offset the expenses of flight training. These scholarships are offered by aviation organizations, flight schools, and industry partners, aimed at encouraging new pilots to widen their horizons.
Aviation Organization Scholarships
Many national and regional aviation groups provide scholarships for aspiring pilots. Examples include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Women in Aviation International (WAI). These scholarships may cover specific training phases, such as private pilot certification or advanced ratings.Military and Veterans Scholarships
Various programs support veterans and active military members seeking civilian flight training. These scholarships may be part of veteran assistance initiatives or organizations focused on military families.Community and Local Scholarships
Local aviation clubs, community foundations, and educational institutions sometimes provide scholarships to residents interested in flight training. These often require applicants to demonstrate strong ties to the community.
Applying for scholarships typically requires submitting an application form, essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of flight training progress or goals. Exploring these options can make flight training more affordable and open pathways to a successful career in aviation!
Scholarship Options -
Aerospace States Assosication (ASA) Scholarship- The ASA supports aeronautics initiatives and awards two $2,000 scholarship to college engineering sophomores each year.
Air Traffic Controller Association (ATCA)- The ATCA provides scholarships for higher education in air traffic controlling.
Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Foundation Scholarship Program- The AEA Foundation provides various scholarships to students seeking careers in the aircraft electronics or aviation maintenance industry.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)- The AOPA offers four flight training scholarship programs. The high school program provides 80 flight training scholarships of $10,000 each to high school students. AOPA also awards 20 flight training scholarships of $10,000 each to teachers. In addition, the AOPA Foundation awards individuals over age 16 with primary flight training scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. The Foundation also awards pilots seeking further ratings and certificates with scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.
Airports Council International-North America- The Airports Council International-North America commissioners present scholarships for individuals in pursuit of becoming airport managers or administrators.
Airport Distributors and Manufacturers Association- The Airport Distributors and Manufacturers Association provides a scholarship for students pursuing careers in airport management or as a professional pilot.
The American Association of Airport Executives- The American Association of Airport Executives offers different scholarships for individuals attending accredited college or universities that are pursuing future careers in aviation.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)- The AIAA awards scholarships to top science and engineering undergraduate and graduated students. It also provides scholarships to Master’s level students for technical writing skills.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation- The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to individuals pursuing and excelling in a science or engineering degree.
Aviation Insurance Association- The Aviation Insurance Association provides a scholarship to students in an aviation insurance program.
Charlie Wells Memorial Aviation Scholarship- This scholarship is offered to qualifying individuals who are pursuing or are hoping to pursue a career in aviation.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)- The EAA offers a variety of flight training scholarships, Air Academy camper-ships, and college scholarships to students pursuing aviation-related occupations.
Female Aviators Sticking Together (F.A.S.T.)- F.A.S.T. provides scholarships to women to help fund flight training.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)- GAMA offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors and students enrolled in an aviation-related degree programs, such as professional pilot, maintenance/engineering, or aviation business.
International Council of Air Shows Foundation- The International Council of Air Shows Foundation provides scholarships to aspiring pilots and performers.
International Society of Women Airline Pilots- The International Society of Women Airline Pilots provides scholarships for women pilots interested in pursuing advanced airplane ratings.
Le Roy Homer Foundation- Le Roy Homer Foundation provides scholarships for individuals, between the ages of 16 and 23, interested in pursuing a private pilot’s license.
National Air Transportation Foundation- The National Air Transportation Foundation provides several scholarships to graduating high school students or college students enrolled in aviation degree programs.
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)- The Henry Ogrodizinski Scholarship is offered to juniors and seniors at a college or university continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry.
National Business Aviation Association- The National Business Aviation Association provides a variety of scholarships for individuals in higher education institutions, studying various areas of aviation.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc- The Ninety-Nines provide several scholarships to women in aviation, including flight training scholarships, academic scholarships, and technical training scholarships
Pat Napolitano Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Aviation Technicians- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics offers this annual scholarship ($3,000) to graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing their aircraft maintenance technician education.
Spaatz Association- The Spaatz Association provides scholarships to individuals who are involved with the Civil Air Patrol, maintain a 3.0 GPA, have earned his/her Mitchell Award and earned his/her solo wings in a powered aircraft.
Whirly Girls- Whirly Girls offers scholarships for women in helicopter training.
Women in Aviation International- Women in Aviation International provides a variety of scholarships from financial assistance for flight school to engineering. It also provides scholarships to teachers for classroom use.
Local Scholarships
Minnesota Pilots Association- Minnesota Pilots Association offers scholarships for flight training or aviation maintenance/avionics.
Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame- MN aviation hall of fame offer a variety of scholarships for Minnesota residents
EAA Chapter 386-Austin, MN 55912 - Provide a percentage of refund to a students flight training bill if they are involved in the chapter.
Iowa Aviation Promotion Group- This scholarship is for students ages 16 to 24 seeking an FAA Private Pilot Certificate, taking training at an Iowa community college, university, or approved Iowa Flight school which includes FBOs and individual instructors who meet insurance requirements
Iowa Public Airports Association- To qualify for the IPAA Aviation Scholarship, applicants must be a high school senior or full-time college student pursuing a degree in aviation and considering a career in the Iowa aerospace industry.
Financing Options for Flight Training
Flight training can be a significant investment, but various financing options are available to help you manage the costs:
Student Loans
Many financial institutions and specialized aviation lenders offer student loans specifically for flight training. Some loans have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.Federal Financial Aid
If enrolled at an FAA-approved college program, you may qualify for federal financial aid, including grants and subsidized loans.Private Loans and Credit Cards
Private loans for flight training are offered by banks, credit unions, and specialized lenders. These loans typically have fixed or variable interest rates and require a credit check. They may offer higher borrowing limits and longer repayment terms compared to other financing options.Credit Cards
Using credit cards to finance flight training can be convenient and immediate, especially for covering smaller costs or equipment purchases. Many credit cards offer rewards or cash back, which can provide some financial benefit. Credit cards can serve as a short-term solution for smaller expenses.
** Before selecting a financing option, consider interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements. Plan your budget carefully to balance training costs with living expenses. **
Financing Options -
