Other Aviation Scholarships
Many scholarships are available to help cover the cost of flight training. Here are a few we have compiled to assist you finding additional funds to reach your goals. Applications are due throughout the year.
Experimental Aircraft Association: The EAA offers various flight training scholarship opportunities for pilots in all different stages of proficiency, including several for individuals under 18. Post-secondary scholarships are also offered for students who have graduated high school and want to further their college education by pursuing a career in aviation.
Flying Musicians Association: This scholarship might be music to your ears if you are a high school junior or senior. The FMA accepts nominations from high school music directors recommending students who are enthusiastic about aviation. The FMA partners each scholarship recipient with a local flight school in his or her area.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Students in science or engineering programs pursuing a career in aerospace can benefit by applying to one of the many scholarships offered by the AIAA each year. Scholarship funding ranges from $500 to $10,000.
LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Scholarship: This scholarship supports anyone between the ages of 16 and 23 desiring to become a private pilot.
National Business Aviation Association: The NBAA charities award scholarships for careers in aviation, aviation management, and aviation maintenance. Applicants are expected to be currently enrolled in higher-ed aviation related curricula or working professionals looking for career advancement in aviation.
AOPA Foundation: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awards more than $1 million per year inscholarships for high school students, aspiring pilots, and current pilots. In 2019, the AOPA intends to distribute $10,000 flight training scholarships to 80 high school students, ages 15 to 18, and 20 high school teachers as part of the AOPA You Can Fly program, which was designed to create a more vibrant pilot community. Primary flight training scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 are available for anyone seeking a private, sport, or recreational pilot certificate. For advanced ratings (instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI), scholarships rangefrom $3,000 to $10,000. All scholarship applicants must be AOPA members, however there are free student memberships.
Air Traffic Control Association: The ATCA Scholarship Fund awarded 10 scholarships in 2018 totaling $108,000. Scholarships are broken into five categories and offer assistance to pay for tuition, books, or any school-related expenses. There are options for students working toward careers in aviation, and ATC employees and their children.
Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association: The ADMA offers at least one scholarship for college juniors seeking a professional pilot or aviation management undergraduate degree. Selection is based on merit, letters of recommendation, and an essay.
Women in Aviation International: In 2019, WAI will distribute $780,000 in scholarships to pilots and aspiring pilots in all stages of life from all over the world.
Civil Air Patrol: The CAP has a program called CadetInvest that offers flight scholarships and financial assistance to cadets with strong academic achievement. The CAP also has a partnership with the Air Force Academy to offer cadets written endorsements to attend the Academy. Cadet annual membership fees are less than $50.
The Ninety-Nines: The slogan of the 99s is “Inspiring Women Pilots Since 1929,” and part of the inspiration is funding scholarships! The 99s have distributed over $11 million through more than 500 Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships since the 1940s. Applicants must be a member of the organization and funding covers all levels of flight training. Applications are due January 1, so while the deadline has recently passed, use this time to join a local chapter and apply for next year.
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: The OBAP has provided more than $4.8 million in scholarships to nearly 500 recipients to promote diversity in aviation careers. Scholarships are awarded in spring and fall for individuals in an aviation-program who are interested in pursuing a career in the airlines. Applicants must already have a private pilot certificate and membership in the OBAP is highly encouraged. Spring scholarship applications may be opening soon.
Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation: The AEA Educational Foundation will award scholarships to students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as students from AEA member companies.
NGPA Scholarships: Since 1998, NGPA is proud to have awarded more than $1,700,000 in scholarships to aspiring aviators and aerospace professionals, helping them become safe, qualified members of the worldwide LGBTQ aviation community.
Latino Pilots Association: The Latino Pilots Association (LPA) is committed to our community by providing opportunities in aviation. LPA has established key partnerships with both aviation- and non-aviation-related organizations and companies that allow us to make scholarships available to a diverse group of recipients. These scholarships help recipients further their careers in aviation-related fields.
Professional Asian Pilots Association: Pursuing a career in aviation can be a long and costly pursuit. At PAPA, we strive to ensure that no qualified individual who aspires to become an aviation professional has to give up on their dream, solely because of financial reasons.
In 2021, we awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to PAPA members, and over $550,000 in 2022. We usually open most scholarships in conjunction with the celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. Anyone can apply as long as they are a PAPA member and meet the criteria outlined by the sponsoring partner. Most scholarships will be paid directly towards the recipient’s institution.
