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Flight Training Scholarships

Dreaming of becoming a pilot or getting an additional rating? EAA can help your aviation dreams become a reality.

ClosedWinners will be announced May 2024. No late applications will be accepted

EAA’s scholarships are supported by dozens of donors, benefactors, and others who “pass it forward” by endowing these programs. In all, EAA awards more than $1 million in aviation scholarship money via various programs each year. 

All applications are reviewed against the criteria for the individual scholarships and then awarded to those who show the greatest potential to be actively engaged in aviation.

EAA strives to provide scholarships that have a minimum award of $5,000. Awards are made up of the following funds:

Tips for Submitting Your Best Application

  • Start early and don’t miss the deadline.
  • Read the requirements and follow all directions, paying attention to the details.
  • Proofread and review thoroughly before submission. Ensure your answers have correct grammar and spelling.
  • Provide detailed answers to the essay questions that describe how you stand out from other applicants.
  • Being a member of EAA and a member of an EAA chapter will make your application stand out.
  • Volunteering for local organizations, both aviation and non-aviation related, will also highlight your application to the selection committee.
Frequently Asked Questions

What does a scholarship cover?

Flight training scholarships may be used to cover costs at any flight training school in the United States and Canada that is not a university program.

Post-secondary scholarships may be used to cover costs for collegiate level programs in the United States including, but not limited to: aerospace or aeronautical engineering, aviation business administration, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, professional flight, or any aviation-related STEM field.


Do I have to be an EAA member to apply?

You do not need to be a current EAA member to apply for a scholarship.


Do I have to currently be enrolled in a program to apply?

For flight training scholarships, if you are not currently in a program, we urge you to contact the flight training school as soon as possible. Scholarship funds must be used by May 1 following the year of awarding. This means you must complete the certification or rating you are pursuing before this date.

We award post-secondary scholarships to both current and incoming students. Scholarship funds must be used by May 1 following the year of awarding, meaning you must be enrolled at your chosen educational institution before that date.


What are the age requirements to apply for a flight training scholarship?

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a flight training or post-secondary scholarship.


What are the eligibility criteria to be awarded a scholarship?

Selection criteria varies based on individual scholarships; please use the links above to read about all our individual scholarships.


When can I apply for a flight training scholarship?

Applications open November 1 every year and close March 1.


Are you strict about the application deadline?

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. No exceptions will be made for missing the final application deadline.


Does the application require a recommendation?

On your application, you will be asked to enter the name of one non-relative character reference. Once you submit your application, your reference will be sent a link to complete the online recommendation. Please ask your reference to complete the recommendation before the application deadline. Applications will be considered late and will not be accepted if the recommendation is not complete by the deadline.


Does the application require a copy of my transcripts?

For post-secondary scholarships, you will be asked to upload the most recent copy of your transcripts. The transcript should include the name of the school, all the courses you have taken, and the grade you earned in each course. It should also include your cumulative, unweighted grade point average (GPA). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.


What GPA should I use?

Your GPA should be unweighted using a 4.00 scale.


Will I be notified when my application was received?

You will receive an automatic email notification when your application has been submitted.


When will I be notified if I am selected for a scholarship?

All winners and non-winners will receive an email sent to the email address listed on your application shortly after May 1st. Please list an email address that you check often! If you have not received an email, please check your spam folder.


What are the next steps if I am awarded a scholarship?

If you win a scholarship, you will be sent an email with documents for completion. Once EAA has received these, the disbursement process will begin.

EAA will send a check directly to the flight school or post-secondary institution.*

For flight training scholarships, the first installment will be 40% of the total amount awarded. After certain benchmarks, the next 40% will be dispersed. Once you have completed the certification or rating you are pursuing, the remaining 20% will be awarded.

*Please note, you have one year from the date of your award to use the funds of an EAA scholarship if the scholarship is non-renewable. If not all money is used during this designated year, the money will revert back to the EAA Scholarship Fund.

Additional questions should be directed to Scholarships@EAA.org.

Available Scholarships


  • Air Academy Alumni Scholarship

    Supports initial flight training towards reaching solo flight or private pilot certificate

    Recipient must have attended EAA’s Air Academy and has not yet received their private pilot certificate


  • Adapt to Fly Scholarship

    Created to help those with disabilities explore the world of aviation

    Awarded to a person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that meets the qualifications for a Class 3 Medical or Sport Pilot Certificate, which include, but are not limited to, being at least 17 years of age, a U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license, and able to operate the controls of a training aircraft


  • Cliff Chetwin Fund

    This fund will be used to support young people in becoming pilots, with preference given to female pilots and flight instructors, and to Young Eagles


  • Harrison Ford Scholarship

    Supports a Young Eagle in their dreams of flight or another career in aviation, preference given to those with financial need. Can support EAA Air Academy tuition, flight training support, or any aviation-related degree or technical program


  • Stephen (Ben) Haas Fund

    Supports a student in obtaining aa private pilot certificate, preference given to Young Eagles


  • Richard R. Harper Memorial Scholarship

    Two scholarships available, one to a Young Eagle and one for an Eagle Flight scholarship, with demonstrated financial need and a GPA of 3.8 or greater


  • Tinker Murdock Family Fund

    Supports flight training for a Young Eagle or Next Step applicant seeking to further aviation training by completing a private pilot certificate

    Internship also available for a college student pursuing a degree in the aviation field


  • PenFed Credit Union Scholarship

    Supports students who have a 3.0 or better GPA, as well as significant extracurricular activities, with a preference given to aviation activities. Additional preference will be provided to applicants that have a military background or are part of a military family.


  • WASP Endowment Fund

    Provides funding for flight training not associated with EAA’s Aviation Foundation, preference given to Young Eagles

    Also supports an internship for EAA’s Air Academy summer programs


  • Elgin Wells, Jr. Starjammer CFI Scholarship

    Supports flight training in pursuit of becoming CFI. Must pass FAA written exams for CFI training, and hold a valid pilot certificate or medical certificate prior to being granted the award


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