Open · closes in 3 days · Membership required
Whirly-Girls International
$6,000 – $20,000
28+ awards per season (~$560,000)
National · Women
Open to women who are current Whirly-Girl or Associate members, pursuing or advancing helicopter ratings from initial certificate through ATP, plus type ratings and safety courses. Membership required; each award has its own requirements.
Cash flight-training awards for the 2027 season run $6,000 to $20,000 (Edward M. Thurn Memorial $20,000; Memorial Flight Training $10,000; Bristow initial $7,500; Lora Trout $6,000). Many additional awards are in-kind type-rating, instrument, maintenance, and safety courses at named facilities, and the PHI APAC awards are AUD $10,000 for Australian applicants. Mid-year awards carry a $25 application fee.
Open · closes in 10 days
Arizona Pilots Association
Amount varies
Arizona · Youth 16-18
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
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Open · closes in 10 days
Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association
$5,000 – $20,000
30+ awards annually across multiple aviation career paths; one application
Pacific Northwest
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. The program page lists $5,000 awards placed through partner institutions and a $2,000 award; recent recipients include a $20,000 Elevate PNW award (2024) and $5,000 Career Catalyst awards. 30+ scholarships awarded to date.
Open · closes in 10 days
mikeroweWORKS Foundation
Amount varies
One trade-wide application; aviation is one of many eligible fields
National
Open to U.S. students enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited trade or technical program of two years or less; four-year degree programs do not qualify. Aviation is an eligible field, so it fits professional-pilot or aviation-maintenance training delivered through an accredited two-year college or vocational/technical school rather than standalone Part 61 lessons. Applicants must sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, answer short questions about it, submit a 45-60 second video, provide an official tuition/cost statement, and supply two references from a boss, supervisor, or teacher. Free to apply; no membership required.
No fixed per-award figure published; awards cover tuition, books, and tools only (not room, board, or living costs). The foundation aimed to give away roughly $10 million across all trades in the 2026 cycle.
Open · closes in 10 days
Aerospace Center for Excellence
Amount varies
Polk County, FL · Youth 16-18
Open to students aged 16 to 19 who reside in or attend a secondary school in Polk County, Florida, and hold at least a 2.75 unweighted GPA. The award supports students working toward their Private Pilot certificate.
Award amount is not published; the scholarship funds Private Pilot flight training toward the certificate.
After the awardWhat one scholarship leaves you to fund
- Median awardAcross this directory
- $8,500
- Private certificatePilotBound national estimate
- − $18,025
- Left to fund
- $9,500
All six lenders in our comparison lend this much. Whatever an award does not cover, you fund some other way.
Open · closes in 11 days
International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)
$5,000 – $10,000
4 award types, 12+ awards per year (~$50,000+)
National · Adults · Women
Open to women pursuing an airline career. Awards fund advanced flight ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI) and airline type ratings; requirements vary by award, from an FAA Commercial certificate for the Financial Scholarship up to an ATP with 2,500 hours for the Type Rating.
Financial Scholarships $5,000 (advanced ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI) and Type Rating Scholarships $10,000 (B737/A320); 12 scholarships worth over $50,000 awarded in the 2025 cycle across all award types.
Open · closes in 11 days
International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)
$10,000
2 awards per year
National · Adults · Women
Open to women with an ATP (or ICAO equivalent), at least 2,500 hours total time including 500 hours multi-engine turbine, a current first-class medical, and a career goal of airline flying.
Two awards a year, each a $10,000 B737 or A320 type rating; training completed with Flight Training International in Miami, Dallas, or Denver.
Open · closes in 11 days
International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)
$5,000
2+ awards per year
National · Adults · Women
Open to women enrolled in an advanced flight training program (or who have completed ab-initio training), holding an FAA Commercial certificate (or equivalent) and a first-class medical, and pursuing an airline career.
A minimum of two $5,000 awards a year toward an advanced flight training program (CFI, CFII, MEI).
Open · closes in 15 days
RedTail Flight Academy
Amount varies
18 scholarships offered for the year, in five 6-week training blocks
New York · Adults · Minority
Open to African American applicants and other people of color aged 18 to 25 (as of September 5) who have graduated high school by the end of the current school year, are U.S. citizens or legal residents, hold a first class medical, have passed the private pilot written exam with 85% or better, have taken an introductory flight at their home airport, and are recommended by or belong to a local Tuskegee Airmen chapter. Training is delivered in residence at New York Stewart International Airport in the Hudson Valley; a maintenance track runs with Dutchess Community College.
Awarded as flight training rather than cash: 55 flying hours for the Private scholarship and 45 for the Instrument, plus the syllabus ground school. Checkride fees, housing, meals, an iPad and Jeppesen materials are the student's own cost, and the academy does not fund time building.
Open · closes in 23 days
Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division
$1,500 – $4,000
Multiple sponsor-funded awards, one application
Montana
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 range from $1,500 (Choice Aviation Scholarship) to $4,000, across multiple sponsor-funded awards each cycle.
Open · closes in 37 days
National Air Transportation Foundation
$2,500
1 award per year
National · Adults
Open to students currently enrolled in a college aviation program with a B average or better who are starting initial or primary flight training. A recommendation from an aviation professional is expected, although direct applications are accepted, and residents of Kansas, Missouri and Illinois are given preference.
One $2,500 award for initial or primary flight training, paid jointly to the recipient and the flight school.
Open · closes in 59 days
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Amount varies
71 awards · one application
National
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)
Open · closes in 59 days
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Amount varies
National · Women
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
Open · closes in 70 days · Membership required
AOPA Foundation
$250 – $14,000
32 named awards, including at least 90 at $12,000 for high school students; one application is matched to every award you qualify for
National · Women
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.
Open · closes in 71 days
American Flyers
Amount varies
Awarded twice a year
National · Adults · Women
Open to U.S.-citizen women pursuing CFI-A and CFI-I ratings who already hold a private certificate, an instrument rating, and a single-engine commercial certificate (or ATP), plus a first- or second-class medical, a 3.0+ GPA, the CFI, FOI, and CFII writtens, and a spin endorsement. Requires three recommendation letters and a commitment to the 30-day academy at an American Flyers school. Employees of American Flyers are not eligible.
Awarded as funded CFI academy training at American Flyers rather than cash: 104 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of individual ground instruction, 14 hours dual in a Cessna 172 or 172RG, 6 hours dual simulator, and unlimited solo simulator time. Written and flight test fees, housing, travel, and living expenses are not included.
Open · closes in 71 days
Tuskegee NEXT
Amount varies
National · Adults
Open to applicants aged 18 to 21 pursuing an aviation career who can commit to an eight-week, full-time, in-person summer program: cadets live in dormitories and attend daily classes covering ground school, simulators, flight training to the private pilot checkride, and life skills and career development. Monthly application workshops walk through the process.
Awarded as a fully funded eight-week residential program rather than cash: ground school, about 55 hours of flight time, simulator training, dormitory housing, and the private pilot and drone certificates. The foundation states all of its programs are free to participants.
Open · closes in 72 days · Membership required
The Ninety-Nines
Up to $20,000
~20 awards across multiple scholarship types per annual cycle; one application covers all types
National · Women
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
Open · closes in 156 days
National Air Transportation Foundation
$1,500
1 award per year
National
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.
Open · closes in 162 days
The Ninety-Nines
Up to $6,000
Semiannual award; two cycles per year
National · Women
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
Open · closes in 162 days
Minnesota Pilots Association
$3,000
Two named pilot awards (Erickson and Strathy), one application window
Minnesota · Adults
Open to Minnesota residents who already hold at least an FAA Private Pilot certificate and are pursuing an advanced rating such as instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, or multi-engine. Applicants must not have completed the checkride for the rating they are seeking. No membership or application fee is required.
Awards were $2,000 in recent cycles; beginning with the 2027 cycle all scholarships are $3,000. Funds go toward advanced rating training.
Open · closes in 162 days
Western North Carolina Pilots Association Educational Foundation
From $500
Two pilot grant tracks (Program A certificate or rating, Program B intro lessons)
Western North Carolina
Open to residents of Western North Carolina who demonstrate an interest in aviation and financial need. Program A funds pursuit of a pilot certificate or rating from recreational through ATP, including instrument; Program B reimburses up to $500 for introductory or discovery flights. A separate mechanic track is not flight training. Free to apply.
Program B provides a $500 reimbursement for introductory lessons; Program A funds a certificate or rating and does not publish a fixed figure.
Open · closes in 298 days
MAPA Safety Foundation (Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association)
Amount varies
National
Open to students already enrolled in and at least halfway through a qualifying program in flight training, aircraft maintenance, aviation engineering, or airport management systems, with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Requires an aviation-safety essay of at least 250 words, two recommendation letters, and an official sealed transcript, submitted by mail.
The award amount is not published on the foundation's scholarship page.
Open · closes in 344 days · Membership required
Soaring Society of America (SSA)
Up to $3,000
1 award per year
National · Youth 16-18
Open to Junior SSA members ages 17 to 24 who hold a private glider rating or higher and can show cross-country soaring proficiency (FAI Silver Badge or Kolstad Century Award). Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian support.
Up to $3,000 in SSA credit toward CFI-G training and testing ($2,000 initial, plus $1,000 on earning the commercial glider rating).
Open now · Membership required
Vertical Aviation International (VAI)
$10,000
National
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
Open now
The Lyons Aviation Foundation
From $1,500
National · Youth 16-18
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.
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.
Opens May 1, 2027
CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation
$17,500
5 pilot awards per cycle
National · Veterans
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.
Opens May 1, closes July 31 each year. The 2026 cycle has closed; the provider now publishes that the 2027 cycle opens May 1, 2027.
Opens Jul 1, 2027 · Membership required
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
National · Youth 16-18
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
Opens Jun 30, 2027 · Membership required
Grand Dames of Aviation
$1,500 – $2,000
4 awards per annual cycle, one application window
National · Women
All four awards are for women. The ProAvi Pilot and ProAvi STEM scholarships ($2,000 each) are for women 18 and older pursuing careers as professional pilots or in aviation and aerospace STEM fields. The Wings of Change scholarships ($1,500 each) recognize a passion for aviation and volunteer service, with a Junior award for ages 14 to 22 and a Senior award for ages 23 and up. The Aspiring Dames membership, open to women 18 and up at any career stage, is pay what you can (suggested $20/year) and waives the non-member application fee of $15 to $20.
Two ProAvi awards at $2,000 each and two Wings of Change awards at $1,500 each
Applications accepted June 30 to August 31 each year
Opens Oct 31
LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation
Up to $17,000
National · Youth 16-18
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
Opens Feb 1, 2027 · Membership required
Exploring (Learning for Life / BSA)
$2,500
Multiple awards, one application
National
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.
Each scholarship is a flat $2,500; one standard application covers all categories (degree, avionics, pilot, maintenance, management), and an applicant may receive only one per academic year.
Opens February 1, closes April 30 each year; recipients notified by July 1
Opens Jan 1, 2027
Stripes to Bars
Amount varies
15 awards in 2025 cycle
National · Veterans
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
Opens Dec 1
Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)
Up to $10,000
1 award per year
Destin, FL
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
Opens Feb 5, 2027
Hiller Aviation Museum
$15,000
San Francisco Bay Area, CA · Youth 16-18
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
Opens Jan 1, 2027
Colorado Pilots Association
$2,500
2 awards per cycle
Colorado · Youth 16-18
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
Opens May 1, 2027
Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association
$2,500
4 awards of $2,500 per cycle
National
Open to U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited college-level aviation program with at least a 3.0 GPA, pursuing a career as a pilot or as an FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic. Funds may go toward tuition, flight training, or new licenses and ratings. No membership required.
Four named $2,500 scholarships in the 2026 cycle (Frederick W. Smith, Terry Hibler Memorial, Stanley Bernstein, and Jeanne Cook). Funds are paid to the school, not the student.
Application portal opens May 1 and closes September 1 each year. Recipients are announced by November 30 and funds are disbursed by December 15.
Opens Aug 1, 2027 · Membership required
Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club (Black Pilots of America)
Amount varies
Washington · Adults
Open to college students who are student members of the Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club, the Black Pilots of America chapter based in Mukilteo (student dues $20 a year plus a processing fee), and are pursuing an aviation-related career. The award may be used for flight training or college tuition.
No dollar figure is published. The award can be spent on flight training or on college tuition.
Applications open August 1 and close September 1 each year.
