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Lyons Aviation Foundation Private Pilot Scholarship

The Lyons Aviation Foundation · National

Samip Shah
Written by · founder of PilotBound

Section 1What the Lyons Foundation publishes

Straight from the provider's pagechecked September 7, 2026
AwardAwards start at $1,500 and can cover the full cost of a Private Pilot course; the board selects at least one recipient a year and more when funding allows.From $1,500
DeadlineOpens September 16 each year and closes in mid January (the 2026 window closed January 17; the 2027 close date is not yet posted). Applications are mailed, not submitted online, and funds must be used within eight months.annual cycle
Applications openSeptember 16, 2026
Open toOpen to all · Youth (age or grade cap applies)
Certificates fundedPrivate (PPL)
RegionNational
Membershipnot required
Application feefree

Amounts, dates and eligibility change between cycles. Always confirm on the provider's page before applying.

Section 2Deadline reminders

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Section 3What this award leaves to fund

This award
$1,500
Private certificatePilotBound national estimate
− $18,083
Left to fund
$16,600

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Section 4Who this is for

Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 16 to 24 on April 25 of the award year who do not already hold a Private Pilot certificate for airplanes, can obtain an FAA third-class medical, meet FAA English-language standards and have no criminal convictions. Training is completed at a local flight school approved by the Foundation.

Section 5How to apply

  1. Read the full requirements on The Lyons Aviation Foundation's official page. Applying is free.
  2. Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
  3. Write the essay with numbers, not passion: name your certificate goal, your school, your hours so far, and exactly what this award covers. Build your plan so every figure in the essay is real.

Section 6Price your school

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Section 7Also worth a look

Section 8Quick answers

How much is the Lyons Aviation Foundation Private Pilot Scholarship?

The published award is From $1,500. Awards start at $1,500 and can cover the full cost of a Private Pilot course; the board selects at least one recipient a year and more when funding allows.

When is the Lyons Aviation Foundation Private Pilot Scholarship deadline?

Applications open September 16, 2026. Opens September 16 each year and closes in mid January (the 2026 window closed January 17; the 2027 close date is not yet posted). Applications are mailed, not submitted online, and funds must be used within eight months.

Who is eligible for the Lyons Aviation Foundation Private Pilot Scholarship?

Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 16 to 24 on April 25 of the award year who do not already hold a Private Pilot certificate for airplanes, can obtain an FAA third-class medical, meet FAA English-language standards and have no criminal convictions. Training is completed at a local flight school approved by the Foundation.

How do I apply for the Lyons Aviation Foundation Private Pilot Scholarship?

Apply for free on The Lyons Aviation Foundation's official page. There is no application fee, and no legitimate aviation scholarship charges one or asks for your Social Security number. Have your essay, recommendation letters, and any required certificates ready before the window opens.