For many people funding can be a barrier of entry to flight training and aviation. There’s no denying it’s an expensive industry, but also one that has high return on investment by fulfilling your passion or providing skills for an in-demand career field.
Fortunately, there are many organizations that offer scholarship funds to help offset the cost of training. Researching and applying for opportunities in your local area is a great idea, as competition is typically lower for these types of scholarships. However, there are many national programs as well that are a great option.
Here are a few flight training scholarships that can help pay for your training.
- AOPA Foundation Scholarship Program
One of the larger foundations awarding funds, there are scholarships available in multiple categories including private pilot and instrument rating. They even have up to one hundred, $10,000 private pilot scholarships reserved for high school students and teachers. Awards range from $2,500 – $14,000. - Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship Program
This scholarship organization provides $30,000 in funds annually. Six recipients are awarded $5,000 each across three categories: two for learning to fly or advanced pilot ratings; two for aviation technicians; and two for continuing education. - Experimental Aircraft Association
EAA awards more than $1 million in aviation scholarship money each year with a minimum award amount of $5,000 per recipient. These scholarships can be used at any flight school in the US and Canada that is not a university program, and you do not have to be an EAA member to apply. - AAERO Student Pilot Scholarship Program
AAERO is a digital marketing firm focused on aviation that in turn invests in the future of aviation by providing scholarships ranging from $150-$2500. This program is intended for student pilots who have not yet received their private pilot certificate. - 99s Chapter Scholarships
The Ninety-Nines is an international organization of licensed female pilots. With chapters around the country, there are multiple scholarships available at a local level for aspiring female pilots. - Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
OBAP supports minority interests and placement in aviation career fields. To date, OBAP has awarded $5.8 million in scholarships to more than 470 diverse recipients nationwide. The scholarships allow award recipients to advance or pursue diverse aviation-related careers. - National Aviation Explorer Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any individual who is currently an active member of an Aviation Explorer Post (Sterling is Aviation Post 7700), one of the career-oriented programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Amounts vary between $2,000 and $20,000, depending on the scholarship.
These scholarship programs are a fantastic way to get started on your aviation journey, but they do only fund a portion of your overall costs. Actively checking FAA and scholarship websites will all you to find openings as soon as they come available. For other funding options, check out loans available to for flight training or contact Sterling today.
