Are you willing to become a trained pilot? Look into The scholarships for pilot training that support aspiring aviators. Explore financial aid options and grants for aviation education to fuel your journey to the skies.
Aspiring pilots aiming to soar into the skies often face the challenge of funding their training. Fortunately, numerous scholarships exist specifically designed to support and propel these ambitions. These scholarships cater to individuals passionate about aviation, offering financial aid and opportunities for pilot training programs. Let’s explore the array of scholarships available for those with their sights set on a career in aviation.
ALSO READ: Top 15+ Scholarships for Art Students – A Comprehensive Guide
1. AOPA-Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association fully sponsored pilot training
The AOPA Foundation annually offers substantial financial assistance to outstanding high school graduates pursuing pilot training programs and current pilots. This aircraft foundation disburses over $1 million in scholarships, providing full sponsorship for pilot training.
Eligibility and Scope:
The Pilot Training Scholarship 2023 is available for high school graduates seeking to enroll in a pilot training program.
Location and Eligibility:
This scholarship for pilot training is accessible within the United States, exclusively for aspiring pilots who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Scholarship Value:
The AOPA-Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association pilot training scholarship holds a total value of $1 million, distributed among accomplished pilot students. For the year 2023, a minimum of 80 outstanding high school students aged 15 to 18 will each be awarded scholarships valued at up to $10,000.
Application Deadline:
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 2 annually.
2. EAA Young Eagles fully sponsored pilot training program
EAA offers scholarships for aspiring pilots and those interested in aviation-related or STEM fields. The program seeks well-rounded individuals committed to their academic or community pursuits, with a passion for aviation.
Level/Field of Study:
This pilot training scholarship is available to students worldwide pursuing post-secondary education in a pilot training program.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The EAA Young Eagles pilot training takes place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, US. Eligible candidates for this fully sponsored training include US citizens, permanent residents, and authorized international students.
The pilot training scholarship program offered by EAA provides full sponsorship for aspiring pilots.
Application Deadlines:
The EAA Young Eagles pilot training has various application cycles throughout the year:
– March 1 to June 1: Flight Pilot Training Scholarships (for pilot students commencing flight training from July 1 to December 31).
– September 1 to November 1: Flight Pilot Training Scholarships (for pilot students starting the program between January 1 and June 30).
– November 15 to January 31: Postsecondary Scholarships.
– January 1 to April 15: Air Academy Camperships programs.
3. Women in Aviation Fully Sponsored Pilot Training Scholarships
Women in Aviation International offers substantial support to their pilot students, a significant perk of membership. Their training program actively drives members toward their aviation aspirations and professional advancement.
Level/Field of Study:
This pilot training scholarship is accessible to students at all levels within the pilot training program.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
Women in Aviation International administers this scholarship for pilot students, welcoming members from across the globe.
Scholarship Worth:
Women in Aviation International presents a total of 130 pilot training scholarships, totaling $780,000.
Deadline:
The Women in Aviation pilot training scholarship is currently open, running from July through mid-November.
4. Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: OBAP Scholarships
The OBAP offers multiple scholarships tailored for aspiring airline pilots. However, applicants must hold a private pilot license before applying for this pilot training scholarship.
Level/Field of Study:
This scholarship is accessible to pilot students who have obtained a private pilot license.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The OBAP Flight Training Scholarship is available to Black students worldwide and can be pursued in the US.
Scholarship Worth:
OBAP grants $179,000 to 38 diverse students, facilitating their participation in a fully funded pilot training program.
Deadline:
Applications for all OBAP Spring Scholarships must be submitted by May 1.
5. National Gay Pilot Association Scholarships
The NGPA provides fully funded pilot training scholarships to aspiring pilot students who have demonstrated support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
Level/Field of Study:
This Pilot Scholarship is available to students pursuing pilot training at any academic level.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The NGPA scholarship is accessible in the USA and is open to international members who have exhibited advocacy for the LGBT community.
Scholarship Worth:
NGPA offers students scholarship awards of $6,000 or more for participation in a pilot training program.
Deadline:
The scholarship application portal will be open from June 1st to August 31st.
6. The 99s fully Sponsored Pilot Training Scholarships
The 99s, an esteemed global society of women pilots, have been granting Pilot Training Scholarships to members since 1941. They offer five diverse scholarships for pilot students.
Level/Field of Study:
These 99s’ scholarships cater to students at all levels in the pilot training program.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The 99s’ pilot training is accessible to pilot students worldwide.
Scholarship Worth:
Among the 99s scholarships, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships provide fully funded pilot training awards of up to $5,000,000 and a remarkable $6,000 to students before graduation. Additionally, they offer funding of $10,000 per academic year during the pilot training program.
Deadline:
The deadline for applications for the 99s scholarships is annually on January 1st.
ALSO READ: Florida Bright Futures Scholarships – A Comprehensive Guide
7. Air Line Pilots Association Scholarship
This scholarship is dedicated to supporting disabled or deceased pilot students or members of the Air Line Pilots Association. The training program is exclusively available to students fitting these criteria in a pilot training program.
Level/Field of Study:
The Flight Training Scholarship is applicable to post-secondary pilot students enrolled in any pilot training program.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The Air Line Association scholarship is hosted in the US and only welcomes applications from US citizens and permanent residents.
Scholarship Worth:
The Air Line Association scholarship has a total value of $12,000, disbursed as $3,000 annually for four consecutive years provided students meet the specified conditions.
Deadline:
Applicants are required to submit their applications for the Air Line Association Scholarship by April 1st each year.
8. Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
The Early Childhood Pilot Training Scholarships Program, established as a pioneering initiative by the Legislature, aims to enhance the caliber and accessibility of instructors and caregivers for young pilot students and youth in any aviation training program.
Level/Field of Study:
This flight training scholarship program is open to aspiring young pilots and enrolled youths pursuing pilot-related programs. Teachers are also eligible to apply.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The scholarship for pilot students is open to international candidates from various countries participating in a pilot training program in the US.
Scholarship Worth:
The Early Educators program scholarship is determined by a per-credit rate, varying based on the institution. Recipients are eligible for awards of up to $4,500.
Deadline:
The 2023 application for the Early Childhood Educators scholarship will commence on April 1 annually.
9. GRCF Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship
The Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarships are accessible to full or part-time enrolled United States citizens pursuing a pilot training program within the United States that offers a flight science curriculum.
Level/Field of Study:
This aviation scholarship is available to second-year pilot students holding a pilot license.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship, hosted in the US, is exclusively for US citizens.
Scholarship Worth:
Recipients of the Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarships receive the chance for fully sponsored pilot training, which includes a $4,000 stipend.
Deadline:
Applicants interested in this aviation scholarship should ensure their submissions are made on or before March 01, and April 1, 2023, for the different periods of consideration.
10. LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Fully Sponsored Pilot Training Scholarships
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation’s Pilot Training Scholarships aim to support aspiring male and female pilots pursuing aviation careers, aiding them in obtaining private pilot certification.
Level/Field of Study:
This Flight Training Scholarship welcomes students at any stage of their pilot training.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
Students engaging with the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation scholarship must do so within the US, and the opportunity is available exclusively to permanent residents or citizens.
Scholarship Worth:
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation scholarship is valued at $9,000, encompassing all expenses associated with the private pilot’s course.
Deadline:
The application portal for the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation scholarship has currently closed. However, the scholarship deadline typically falls on January 31 each year.
11. National Aviation Explorer Scholarships
The National Aviation Exploring offers comprehensive pilot training scholarships to students pursuing careers in the aviation industry. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward individuals who embody the qualities essential for success in aviation.
Level/Field of Study:
This pilot training scholarship is available to students enrolled in any pilot training program.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The National Aviation Explorer scholarships are applicable exclusively in Pennsylvania, USA. However, the scholarship welcomes both local and international pilot students.
READ ALSO: Scholarships for Private Christian Schools – The Best Guide
Scholarship Worth:
This fully sponsored pilot training scholarship grants $10,000 annually to aspiring pilot students.
Deadline:
Applicants for the National Aviation Explorer scholarships are encouraged to submit their applications by March 31 each year.
12. Airways Aviation–Part Flight Training Sponsorship
Airways Aviation now offers a fully sponsored pilot training program covering the integrated flight training costs. However, candidates must fulfill the specified entry requirements for pilot training.
Level/Field of Study:
This scholarship is open to aspiring pilots enrolled in various pilot training programs.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The Airways Aviation flight training scholarship is hosted in the UK and is exclusively available to UK passport holders. The training program is held within the UK.
Scholarship Worth:
Successful recipients of the Airways Aviation training sponsorship will receive an award of up to £35,000.
Deadline:
Applicants interested in this opportunity should submit their applications by April 30th each year.
13. The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (GAPAN)
Formerly known as the Guild of Pilot & Navigators, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots offers multiple pilot training scholarships annually. This opportunity provides fully sponsored pilot training programs.
Level/Field of Study:
This scholarship supports pilot students enrolled in various pilot training programs.
Host/Eligible Nationality:
The GAPAN Scholarships are available to pilot students globally, provided their training program is accredited.
Scholarship Worth:
Successful candidates will benefit from Private Pilots Licence, Theoretical Air Transport Pilots Training programs, Flight Instructor Ratings, Jet Orientation Courses, Gliding Scholarships, and Instrument Rating Bursaries.
Deadline:
The specific deadline for the GAPAN scholarships is currently undisclosed.
ALSO READ: Foot Locker Scholarships – The Detailed Guide to Funding Higher Education
Conclusion on Scholarships For Pilot Training
Securing a scholarship for pilot training can pave the way for aspiring aviators to reach new heights. These opportunities not only offer financial aid but also open doors to comprehensive training programs. Whether aiming for private licensing or specialized flight instruction, these scholarships empower students to pursue their aviation dreams. With a range of offerings from various organizations globally, aspiring pilots can find the perfect scholarship to take their career aspirations skyward.