AOPA Flight Training Scholarships
Starting January 3, 2020, AOPA members are invited to apply for primary and advanced flight training scholarships, made possible through donations to the AOPA Foundation. Last year, 123 scholarships totaling more than $1 million were awarded.
These scholarship awards are a major benefit of AOPA membership, helping members reach their aviation goals.
The scholarship awards are broken down into four categories: AOPA High School Flight Training Scholarship, AOPA Teacher Flight Training Scholarship, AOPA Primary Flight Training Scholarship, and AOPA Advanced Rating Scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
To receive priority consideration, scholarship applications must be received by Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). The final deadline for scholarship applications is Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
AOPA High School Flight Training Scholarship
AOPA Teacher Flight Training Scholarship
AOPA Primary Flight Training Scholarship
AOPA HIGH SCHOOL FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
Thanks to the generosity of the Ray Foundation, 80 exceptional high school students, ages 15 to 18, each will receive a $10,000 scholarship in 2020. This scholarship program is a component of the AOPA You Can Fly program, a collection of initiatives working towards building a larger, more vibrant pilot community.
Scholarship recipients will be able to use the money for direct flight training expenses to pursue a primary pilot certificate, such as a private, sport, or recreational pilot certificate. They must also complete a flight training milestone, achieving either solo or earning a primary pilot certificate, within one year of receiving a scholarship.
Before You Apply
We encourage you to read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before completing your application.
Be sure your AOPA membership is current. Not a member? Take advantage of our free AOPA AV8RS or free 6-month student pilot membership options.
Here are a few things to have handy when you’re completing your application:
High school transcript
Contact information for each of your two references
A list of school and non-school related clubs and organizations in which you have participated since your freshman year, as well as any corresponding leadership positions (particularly those that are aviation related)
A list of honors and awards that you have received when participating in clubs and organizations
A list of volunteer organizations in which you participate, plus any awards and honors that you have received for your participation since freshman year (particularly those that are aviation related)
Your pilot logbook (if you have one)
Need Help?
Read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
If your questions have not been answered here, please email FTscholarship@aopa.org.
AOPA TEACHER FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
As part of the AOPA You Can Fly program and thanks to the generosity of the Ray Foundation, up to 20 teachers will be awarded scholarships of $10,000 each to pursue a primary pilot certificate such as a private, sport or recreational pilot certificate.
To be eligible, a teacher must be:
An AOPA member
A full-time employee of a school or school system
Teaching the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Curriculum
Before You Apply
We strongly encourage you to read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before completing your application.
Be sure your AOPA membership is current. Not an AOPA member? Take advantage of our free 6-month student pilot membership or click here to review our membership options.
Need Help?
Read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
If your questions have not been answered here, please email FTscholarship@aopa.org.
AOPA PRIMARY FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by generous donations to the AOPA Foundation, AOPA Primary Flight Training scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $7,500. Current AOPA members who are at least 16 years of age by the application deadline are eligible to apply. The scholarship award can be applied to training for a private pilot, sport pilot, or recreational pilot certificate.
Before You Apply
We strongly encourage you to read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before completing your application.
If you're not an AOPA member, take advantage of our free 6-month student pilot membership or click here to review our membership options.
Need Help?
Read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
If your questions have not been answered here, please email FTscholarship@aopa.org.
AOPA ADVANCED RATING SCHOLARSHIP
To support outstanding pilots with career aspirations, the AOPA Foundation will award various scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 to AOPA members seeking one of the following ratings or certificates:
Instrument
Commercial
CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor)
CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument)
MEI (Multi-Engine – Instructor)
Before You Apply
We strongly encourage you to read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before completing your application.
Be sure your AOPA membership is current. If you're not a paid AOPA member, click here to review our paid membership options.
Need Help?
Read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
If your questions have not been answered here, please email FTscholarship@aopa.org.
LEARN ABOUT OUR 2019 ADVANCED RATING SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
AVIATION INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS
There are many industry-funded scholarship opportunities outside of AOPA to help you fund your aviation aspirations. Browse our list to learn more.
