Students enrolled in accredited programs can apply for two grants offered by the U.S. government. Depending on how much a student's family can contribute financially, the government can award a Pell Grant that provides between $400 to $4,050. Future pilots can also apply for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, which the government can award in amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000 per year. Both grants require that students enroll on a minimum half-time basis and that evaluators award both grants based on a student's financial need. To receive consideration for either of these grants, you must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
U.S. Department of Education
Federal Student Aid
8930 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114
319-337-5665
fafsa.ed.gov
Because women make up only 6 percent of the 600,000 active pilots in the U.S., Women in Aviation seeks to encourage women aviators by awarding yearly grants to future female pilots. The application procedure includes an essay, enrollment in a school and membership in this organization.
Women in Aviation, International
Morningstar Airport
3647 State Route 503 South
West Alexandria, OH 45381-9354
937-839-4647
wai.org
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals offers scholarships to minority students seeking to obtain a commercial pilot license. Award amounts vary, with the average grantee receiving $1,000.
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
1 Westbrook Corporate Center
Suite 300
Westchester, IL 60154
800-JET-OBAP
obap.org
The National Gay Pilot Association Grant provides funding for future pilots enrolled in professional flight or aviation training programs at colleges, technical schools and government-approved commercial and private flight schools. While you do not need to identify yourself as gay or lesbian to apply, the grant evaluators give special consideration to people who are gay or lesbian.
National Gay Pilot Association
PO Box 7271
Dallas, TX 75209-0271
214-336-0873
ngpa.org
Students pursuing a career as a general aviator (rather than a commercial airline pilot) can apply for one of the two yearly grants offered by the National Air Transport Association. Each grant is $2,500, and students who achieve academic excellence can renew that grant for a second year.
National Air Transport Association Foundation
4226 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-845-9000
nata.aero
The International Organization of Women Pilots (also known as the "ninety-nines") provides grants to current and future female pilots. Current pilots seeking additional certification (in other aircraft or aircraft types) can apply for the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship. Students enrolled in flight school who are not licensed pilots can apply for the New Pilot Award, which provides up to $1,500. To apply for either grant, you must join this organization.
The International Organization of Women Pilots
4300 Amelia Earhart Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
800-994-1929
ninety-nines.org