Free money for
flight training

Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship

CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation

$17,500

5 pilot awards per cycle

Must be a current active-duty U.S. service member (including Reserves and National Guard) or honorably discharged veteran, enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited aviation program, with at least a 2.5 GPA and a passing score of 80% or higher on the FAA Private Pilot written exam within the prior 12 months. Valid FAA first- or second-class medical required at application and selection.

Pilot award of $17,500 paid in four milestone-based installments (selection, first solo, solo cross-country, check ride completion). Separate AMT maintenance awards also available at $5,000 to $10,000 each but are not flight training.

RTAG Chris Bedzis Memorial Rotor Transition Scholarship

RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group)

$10,000

1 award per cycle

Open to U.S. military veterans or current servicemembers who are trained helicopter pilots and are transitioning to a fixed-wing airline pilot career. Applicants must submit military service documentation and a scholarship essay evaluated by the RTAG Board of Directors. Applying requires a free RTAG account; RTAG membership is free for veterans and active military.

Single award of $10,000 paid directly to an approved training facility.

Aviation Pathways Grant

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Up to $10,000

Open to Hawaii residents ages 16 to 21 who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and plan to pursue a private pilot license; applicants must be able to qualify for an FAA Student Pilot Certificate and pass a third-class medical exam.

Up to $10,000 per recipient; funded by the Ray Foundation

UAA Collegiate Aviation Scholarships

University Aviation Association (UAA)

$500 – $5,000

8+ awards, separate application forms per scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled in an aviation or aerospace degree program at a UAA member institution. Most awards require a minimum 3.0 GPA, a faculty recommendation letter, and a written essay; at least two awards specifically target students actively pursuing flight certificates (Part 141 training or instrument/multi-engine/commercial ratings).

Individual awards range from $500 to $5,000; not all awards fund flight training directly

NBAA Charities Scholarships

NBAA

$1,000 – $8,000

19+ awards across student and professional tracks

Open to U.S. citizens pursuing careers in business aviation, including aspiring pilots, dispatchers, maintenance professionals, and flight attendants; individual awards have varying requirements such as full-time enrollment in an aviation or aviation management program, minimum GPA standards, and in some cases attendance at a UAA member institution.

Varies by individual award; total annual student cash funding approaches $100,000 across all programs

NGPA Commercial Certificate Scholarship

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)

$6,000

Open to NGPA members who are LGBTQ+ individuals or allies with documented advocacy histories, pursuing a commercial pilot certificate or accredited flight education program. Applicants must hold a valid FAA medical certificate and at minimum a student pilot certificate.

One $6,000 award per annual cycle

NGPA Piedmont Airlines Advanced Flight Training Scholarship

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)

$5,000

1 award

Open to active NGPA members who hold at least a private pilot certificate and a current FAA medical; funds support advanced ratings including instrument, multi-engine, commercial, CFI, and ATP training. LGBTQ+ pilots are the primary audience; allies with documented LGBTQ+ advocacy history may also apply.

One $5,000 award per cycle; funds sent directly to the recipient's flight school.

Ray Aviation Scholars (EAA)

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

$6,000 – $12,000

~$2.25M distributed annually through local EAA chapters

Open to youth ages 15-19 (16-19 for powered flight) who have completed at least one EAA Young Eagles flight; candidates are nominated by a local EAA chapter and must hold or be able to obtain a student pilot certificate to pursue a Private Pilot, Sport Pilot, or Glider certificate.

Up to $12,000 for Private Pilot, $9,000 for Sport Pilot, $6,000 for Glider Pilot

Women in Aviation International Scholarships

Women in Aviation International

$3,000 – $5,000

50+ awards per cycle, one application covers up to three scholarships

Open to current WAI members of any age, gender, or background whose membership remains active through at least March 2027; applicants may apply for up to three scholarships per cycle, with offerings spanning private pilot, instrument, CFI, multi-engine, and other aviation and aerospace paths.

Individual flight training awards typically range $3,000-$5,000 (e.g., PPL at $5,000, instrument at $5,000, CFI at $3,000, multi-engine at $3,000); 50+ total scholarships worth $200,000+ per cycle across all aviation categories

Women Military Aviators Dream of Flight Scholarship

Women Military Aviators

$2,500

Open to women pursuing any flight rating at an accredited institution or FAA-approved Part 141 or Part 61 flight school. Applicants must hold a current paid Women in Aviation International (WAI) membership to apply.

$2,500 paid directly to the flight school; must be used within one year of award

Epic Flight Academy Annual Aviation Scholarships

Epic Flight Academy

$5,000 – $20,000

12 pilot awards per annual cycle (1 at $20,000, 11 at $5,000)

Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are current high school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old by December 31 of the award year, with no previous pilot certificate. Recipients must be ready to begin training within 12 months of receiving the award and must complete training within 24 months.

Individual awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 per recipient depending on the specific award

Ninety-Nines First Wings Award

The Ninety-Nines, Inc. (International Organization of Women Pilots)

Up to $6,000

Semiannual award; two cycles per year

Open to women student pilots who have been Ninety-Nines Student Pilot Members for at least three months before the application deadline, have logged at least five flight hours in the six months prior to applying, and can demonstrate financial need. Targets completion of the private, sport, or recreational pilot certificate.

Up to $6,000 per award cycle, disbursed incrementally as specific training milestones are completed

NeBAA Flight Training Scholarship

Nebraska Business Aviation Association (NeBAA)

$1,500

Applicants must be current NeBAA Regular Members holding a valid US pilot certificate with Multi-Engine Land Commercial Instrument Rating, at least 500 total flight hours, and an FAA Class II Medical; US citizenship is required.

Travel reimbursement up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the ATP-CTP course; applicant pays course tuition, room, and board upfront.

APA Scholarship Program

Arizona Pilots Association

Amount varies

Open to Arizona high school and college students pursuing pilot training or other aviation education. Applicants must rank in the upper half of their class and demonstrate leadership qualities, moral character, and community service involvement.

Award amount not published; varies by cycle

Pioneers of Flight Scholarship

National Air Transportation Foundation

$1,000

2 awards per year

Open to college sophomores and juniors enrolled full-time in an aviation degree program at an accredited four-year institution, with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in general aviation.

$1,000 per recipient; two awards granted annually

Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships (Ninety-Nines)

The Ninety-Nines

Up to $20,000

~20 awards across multiple scholarship types per annual cycle; one application covers all types

Applicants must be women who have been continuous paid members of The Ninety-Nines for at least one full year as of January 1, must have a specific and realistic goal for advancement in aviation or aerospace, and must demonstrate financial need for most scholarship types. The membership length requirement is waived for the Vicki Cruse and Kitty Houghton sub-scholarships.

Varies by scholarship type; flight training awards up to $20,000; academic awards up to $10,000 renewable; approximately 20 total awards per annual cycle

Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship

National Air Transportation Foundation

$1,500

1 award per year

Open to college students (or high school seniors entering an accredited aviation program) who already hold a private pilot certificate, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and are pursuing a professional pilot career. Check and transcript required with application.

GBAA Professional Pilot Scholarship

Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA)

Up to $5,000

Open to high school seniors, recent graduates, and college students enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or technical school for professional pilot training. Applicants must be pursuing an aviation education with a professional pilot focus; no GBAA membership required.

Up to $5,000 per award; exact amount varies

National Aviation Explorer Scholarships

Exploring (Learning for Life / BSA)

$5,000 – $10,000

Multiple awards, one application

Applicant must be currently registered and active in an Aviation Explorer post (Learning for Life / BSA). A minimum of three recommendation letters from non-family aviation or community contacts are required, and all scholarship funds must be used within 24 months of the award.

Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000; one standard application covers all scholarship categories

AOPA Foundation Flight Training Scholarships

AOPA Foundation

$250 – $14,000

Large umbrella program with hundreds of named awards per year; one application covers all eligible scholarships.

Open to current AOPA members who are residents of the U.S., D.C., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, pursuing sport, private, instrument, commercial, or other aviation training; dedicated awards exist for high school students, women, teachers using AOPA curriculum, and corporate aviation employees.

Individual awards range from $250 to $14,000 across many named scholarships; high school students and teachers have dedicated pools of awards at $12,000 each.

Spring cycle Apr 1 to Jun 30, Fall cycle Oct 1 to Dec 31 each year

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings

Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary)

Up to $10,000

~60+ awards per cycle via USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship funding

Open to current active Civil Air Patrol cadets in good standing who have never previously received this award; priority given to cadets who have completed prerequisites including the Wright Brothers Award, Encampment, Student Pilot Certificate, FAA Medical Certificate, solo endorsement, and passing FAA Knowledge Test score.

Up to $10,000 per recipient toward private pilot flight training costs; funded by USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship

Opens July 1 at 8:00 AM CT, closes September 1 at noon CT each year

EAA Flight Training Scholarships

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

Amount varies

71 awards · one application

Open to US or Canadian citizens (or those eligible to work or study in the US or Canada) who are at least 16 years old and pursuing flight training at a US or Canadian flight school. A single application is used for all 25-plus named scholarships, covering certificates from private pilot through CFI, instrument, multi-engine, and other advanced ratings. EAA membership is preferred but not required.

Varies by individual named award; over $487,000 total distributed to 71 recipients in the 2025-2026 cycle (roughly $6,800 average)

Opens Oct 1, closes Dec 19 each year; awards announced on or around March 2

LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship

LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation

Up to $17,000

Open to US citizens or permanent residents aged 16 to 23 as of the January 31 deadline who have not yet earned a Private Pilot Certificate. Applicants must be available for training from May through December and complete a Private Pilot written ground school before mid-May of the training year.

Covers actual flight and ground training costs; total budget is below $17,000 unless circumstances require otherwise

Opens October 31, closes January 31 each year; awards distributed by Memorial Day

LPA Flight Training Scholarship

Latino Professionals in Aerospace (LPA)

Amount varies

12 awards · one application

Open to active LPA members (student, standard, or lifetime tier) enrolled or accepted in U.S.-based flight training. Five tracks span private pilot through ATP and type rating certifications, with a dedicated track for active-duty military, reservists, and veterans.

Varies by award track; the Elevated Access Advanced Rating track offers $10,000

Opens mid-March, closes mid-May each year

OBAP Aerospace Scholarships

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)

Amount varies

Multiple awards per cycle; one application auto-matches to eligible scholarships via AwardSpring

Applicants must be active OBAP members for at least 3 full calendar months before applying, be 17 or older, and reside and train within the US at FAA Part 61 or Part 141 schools. A minimum of 10 volunteer hours with OBAP and 20 hours with external organizations are required, with exemptions for students enrolled in OBAP youth programs.

Individual award amounts are not published on the program page; varies by scholarship. Over $8 million distributed to nearly 600 recipients since inception.

Spring cycle Apr 1-30, Fall cycle Sep 1-30 each year

Sisters of the Skies Scholarships

Sisters of the Skies

$2,500 – $15,000

Multiple awards per year across several named programs, each with a separate application.

Applicants must be women of color pursuing professional pilot careers, from initial flight training through advanced ratings such as commercial and multi-engine. Specific awards have additional requirements (e.g., the Goetz/Holen award targets multi-engine or commercial candidates; the Rashanda Nicole Lee Memorial targets African-American women).

Individual grants range from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the specific award; multiple scholarships offered each year at different amounts.

Fall cycle opens Oct 1 and closes Oct 15 each year; additional awards (Goetz/Holen multi-engine commercial, summer scholarship, United Aviate partnership) open and close on separate schedules throughout the year.

Stripes to Bars Scholarship

Stripes to Bars

Amount varies

15 awards in 2025 cycle

Open to current and former members of any US federal uniformed service with other-than-dishonorable discharge status, who hold a valid FAA medical certificate appropriate to their training goals. Funds may be applied toward any FAA pilot certificate at any flight school nationwide.

Varies by award; the 2025 cycle distributed $52,500 across 15 recipients (roughly $3,500 per award on average)

Opens Jan 1, closes Feb 28 each year; awards announced starting May 1

WomenSoar Scholarship

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

Amount varies

Open to women who are US citizens, at least 17 years old, and pursuing a sport pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, or additional ratings. Candidates who actively participate in aviation community activities and events are given preference. EAA chapter members are prioritized during selection, though membership is not a hard requirement.

No individual award amount published; part of EAA Aviation Foundation pool that distributed over $487,000 across 71 students in the 2025-2026 cycle

Opens Oct 1, closes Dec 19 each year; winners notified on or around Mar 2

AFA Destin Flight Works Pilot Training Scholarship

Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)

Up to $10,000

1 award per year

Open to current AFA members (free Mission Membership qualifies) who can commit to training at Destin Flight Works in Destin, Florida. No prior flight experience is required; recipients are responsible for travel, lodging, and any training costs beyond the $10,000 award.

Up to $10,000 per recipient; covers instructor fees and aircraft rental toward a PPL

Opens Dec 1, closes Apr 30 each year; selections announced in July

CFBAA Foundation Scholarship

Central Florida Business Aviation Association

Amount varies

5 awards totaling $13,000 per cycle

Open to Florida residents pursuing careers in business aviation across four categories: incoming college students and current students at Florida-based FAA or AABI-accredited aviation programs, young professionals (40 and under) seeking additional certifications or type ratings, and experienced professionals pursuing continued career development.

Five awards per cycle totaling $13,000; individual amounts vary by category

Opens approximately December 1, closes approximately April 28 each year

Hiller Aviation Museum Flight Training Scholarship

Hiller Aviation Museum

$15,000

Applicants must be 16 to 18 years old and reside in one of 11 San Francisco Bay Area counties. Flight training must be completed at a Part 61 or Part 141 school within the Bay Area, leading to an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.

Single award of $15,000 per recipient toward flight training costs

Opens early February, closes early April each year; awards announced in May

Walt and Terry Barbo PPL Scholarship

Colorado Pilots Association

$2,500

2 awards per cycle

Open to Colorado residents aged 16 to 22 who are working toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Applicants must submit an essay describing their aviation journey and goals, plus a letter of recommendation from a CFI.

Two $2,500 awards per annual cycle

Opens Jan 1, closes Feb 15 each year

AMAC Foundation Aviation Scholarships

AMAC Foundation

Amount varies

6 named awards, one shared annual cycle

Open to U.S. citizens who are minorities or women enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school pursuing aviation-related fields including piloting. Applicants must hold active AMAC student membership ($25/year) and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA (2.8 for some awards).

No dollar figures published; 37 recipients were awarded across the 2025 cycle

Annual; 2026 deadline was May 31. Next cycle dates not yet published.

CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship

Commemorative Air Force

Up to $12,000

Open to applicants aged 16-19 who hold a valid FAA medical certificate and student pilot certificate and have passed the FAA written exam. Recipients must begin flight training within 60 days of accepting the award and complete their Private Pilot Certificate within one year.

Up to $12,000 toward earning a Private Pilot Certificate within one year

Rolling applications through local CAF units; no fixed annual open or close dates published

Costas Sivyllis ALPA Education Scholarship

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)

Up to $15,000

Open to undergraduate and graduate students actively enrolled in flight training at one of 14 designated ALPA partner universities (including Embry-Riddle, Purdue, University of North Dakota, Western Michigan, and others), with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and active participation in ALPA education programs on their campus.

Multiple awards totaling up to $15,000 per annual cycle; individual award amounts determined at ALPA Education Committee discretion

Annual; typically opens January 15 and closes April 30 each year; selections announced by August 15; 2026 cycle is closed and next cycle dates not yet announced

Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

$2,000

2 awards annually

Open to U.S. high school seniors graduating in the current spring who have been accepted into an aviation-related degree program (including flight training, aviation management, aerospace engineering, or aviation maintenance) and have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Two winners selected each year, each receiving $2,000 USD

Annual; 2026 deadline was April 24; next cycle expected spring 2027

PAPA Flight Training Scholarship

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA)

$2,500 – $7,500

Open to paid PAPA members (individual membership starts at $45/year) who are at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED; explicitly open to all backgrounds regardless of race or ethnicity, including U.S. green card holders. Funds are disbursed directly to the applicant's flight school or university.

Generally $2,500 to $7,500; varies by sponsorship level each cycle

Spring and fall windows each year; Spring 2026 closed, Fall 2026 dates TBA via newsletter

Ray Foundation Veteran Scholarship - UND Aerospace Phoenix

UND Aerospace Foundation

Up to $15,000

41+ scholarships awarded since 2021; rolling slots each year

Open to U.S. veterans and authorized dependents (age 17 or older before training begins) who have at least 24 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits remaining. Applicants must hold an FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate and pass the Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test before the class start date; training is conducted at the UND Aerospace Phoenix center in Mesa, Arizona and requires relocation for approximately 24 months.

Up to $15,000 toward Private Pilot Certificate training, covering approximately 70% of total training cost; recipient pays roughly $4,800 out of pocket plus a fully refundable $1,000 flight-account deposit

Rolling admissions; class cohorts start January, March, June, and September each year until slots are filled

RTAG Flight Training Scholarships

RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group)

Amount varies

Multiple awards across $500K annual pool; one application

Open to currently serving U.S. military members and honorably discharged veterans pursuing fixed-wing flight training toward a commercial pilot career. Applicants must hold or be able to obtain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate and have access to a training facility and flight instructor. Applying requires a free RTAG account; RTAG membership is free for veterans and active military.

Individual award amounts not published; program targets $500,000 distributed annually across multiple awards

Annual; award winners announced at RTAG Convention each October

VAI Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship

Vertical Aviation International (VAI)

$10,000

Applicants must hold a private helicopter pilot certificate and be enrolled in a commercial helicopter rating program at an FAA-approved Part 141 school (or international equivalent), and must hold at least a second-class medical certificate. VAI membership is required to apply.

$10,000 toward commercial helicopter rating training costs, plus complimentary VERTICON full registration for recipient and a guest

Opens approximately July, closes approximately November each year; winners announced in January

Veteran Air Warriors Scholarship

Veteran Air Warriors

$7,000 – $10,000

Open to honorably discharged U.S. military veterans aged 21 or older who are GI Bill eligible, hold at least a high school diploma or GED, qualify for an FAA Class 1 medical certificate, and are committed to pursuing an airline pilot career. After the initial PPL grant, VAW assists participants in using their GI Bill for instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and CFI ratings.

$10,000 allowance for zero-prior-hours PPL training; $7,000 for fixed-wing transition from rotary or other prior experience

Rolling applications, no fixed annual cycle published

Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship

Community Foundation of Dunn County

Up to $1,500

One award per year

Applicants must already hold a valid Private Pilot Certificate and reside or train in one of twelve Midwest states. Funds are designated for advanced flight training and rating progression beyond the private pilot level.

Up to $1,500 per award; one scholarship given annually

Opens March, closes May each year; next cycle opens March 2027

CABAA Aviation Scholarships

Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA)

$2,000 – $22,200

12+ awards, one application

Open to students and aviation professionals committed to business aviation, with preference given to Chicagoland area residents; advanced pilot training awards require at minimum a Commercial Multi-Engine Instrument Rating and 250 or more flight hours. Recipients must hold (free) CABAA membership.

Varies by award; several awards cover full training course costs. Pilot-specific awards range from $2,000 (Professional Development) to approximately $22,200 (FlightSafety/CAE Pilot Training, 2 awards).

Annual; applications typically open in early spring with a deadline around May 31 each year

Montana Aviation Scholarship Program

Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division

$2,000 – $5,000

Multiple sponsor-funded awards, one application

Open to Montana residents pursuing any pilot certificate, rating, or endorsement (including PPL through ATP), as well as A&P mechanic training. Pilot applicants must have already soloed; preference is given to applicants enrolled in a collegiate professional pilot program.

Individual awards typically $2,000 to $5,000; the 2026 cycle distributed $63,500 total across multiple sponsor-funded awards

Applications typically open in fall; deadline around mid-November each year; awards announced January and presented at the Montana Aviation Conference in February

Museum of Flight Flight Training Scholarships

The Museum of Flight (Seattle)

Up to $14,000

9 awards across 3 named scholarships (Alaska Airlines, Benjamin L. Ellison, Frank and Betty Houston), one application

High school students who are U.S. citizens residing in Washington state, at least 16.5 years old (as of March 1 of the award year), who have completed or are enrolled in Private Pilot Ground School. Some scholarships additionally require 40 or more hours of participation in Museum of Flight education programs such as Washington Aerospace Scholars or the Aeronautical Science Pathway.

Up to $14,000 per recipient, paid in three stages ($8,000, $4,000, $2,000) as training milestones are reached.

Opens mid-December each year; 2027 cycle opens mid-December 2026

NTBAA Academic Scholarship

North Texas Business Aviation Association

Amount varies

Open to students enrolled in aviation programs at the University of North Texas, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tarrant County College, Baylor University, or McKinney ISD. Award amounts are determined by the board based on financial need, application completeness, and available funds.

Varies based on number of applicants, financial need of recipient, and available funds

Annual awards; specific open and close dates not published on the official page

ORBAA Scholarship

Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association (ORBAA)

$5,000 – $8,500

Multiple awards per cycle through ORBAA and industry partners

Open to students currently enrolled in Ohio collegiate aviation programs who are pursuing careers in business aviation. Covers commercial pilot certificates, CFI ratings, type ratings, and related advanced flight training.

Primary award is $8,500; industry partner awards (CAE, FSI) add supplemental funding at $5,000 and $7,500 levels for specific training programs

Annual; 2026 deadline was April 19; next cycle (2027) dates not yet published

PNBAA Member Scholarship and Grant

Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association

$5,000 – $20,000

30+ awards annually across multiple aviation career paths; one application

Open to PNBAA members (free student membership available) pursuing careers in business aviation, including pilots seeking advanced ratings such as instrument, commercial, CFI, or ATP, as well as those pursuing aviation maintenance or other aviation vocational training in the Pacific Northwest region.

Varies by award; includes a $20,000 top award and $5,000 Career Catalyst awards among 30+ total scholarships distributed annually

Awards made throughout the year; Career Catalyst component deadline typically October 31

Youth Aviation Scholarship Fund

Washington Pilots Association (WPA)

Amount varies

Multiple awards through 25 chapters statewide; contact your nearest WPA chapter to apply

Young aviation students in Washington state pursuing flight training or aviation careers are eligible; specific requirements, amounts, and deadlines are determined by individual WPA chapters, so applicants should contact their nearest chapter directly.

Amounts vary by chapter and are not published centrally; individual chapter awards have been as high as $1,000 (Paine Field chapter).

Annual; cycle dates and requirements are set independently by each of the 25 WPA chapters and are not published centrally