Are you an aspiring pilot looking for scholarships to apply for? If yes, then you are in the right place. As a student who is aspiring to be a pilot, there are now opportunities for you to apply for aviation scholarships.
There are a lot of aviation scholarships to apply for. So there is no reason for you not to get the financial assistance that you need to pursue your dreams.
However, many aviation organizations aim to assist students and pilots. These organizations make sure that these students and pilots complete their education and pursue their career goals in both aerospace and aviation.
Most times, students give up on their dreams because they do not have the funds. But with the help of these scholarships, they can further their education.
Aviation is a very lucrative career pathway for students. Most students do not know this, but the median pay for airline pilots was $134,630 in 2022. Now you can see that there is a lot of money to be made from being in the aviation sector.
Currently, there are aviation scholarships and flight training scholarships to support your education and also enable you to pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.
What is An Aviation Scholarship?
Aviation scholarships are financial aid given to students who want to pursue an aviation career. The scholarship is meant to assist students through a professional pilot program.
Most aviation scholarships are offered by businesses in the aviation industry. Especially those who want to recruit new pilots.
Types of Aviation Scholarships
There are different types of aviation scholarships. And these scholarships are given to aviation students. Let’s take a look at the different types of aviation scholarships available.
• Identity-Based
Most scholarships are given based on the student’s identity. This type of scholarship tends to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds and also students from marginalized communities. Students who fit these criteria can apply for this scholarship.
• Academic Merit-Based
This type of scholarship is given based on the student’s academic performance. A scholarship can be given based on the applicant’s grade-point average (GPA) and standardized test scores (SAT, AP exams, ACT, etc.).
• Athletic
Scholarships are offered to students based on their athletic ability. The student can be good at any sport, and as long as you are good at that sport, you will be picked by coaches from interested schools.
10 Best Aviation Scholarships to Apply For
There are so many aviation scholarships available for students who want to pursue a career in this field. You can apply for any of these scholarships without much hassle.
1. University Aviation Association (UAA) Scholarships
The University Aviation Association is dedicated to offering scholarships that will promote and enhance the quality of aviation education.
The association has six different aviation scholarships available for students. They are offering scholarships to students because they want to ensure that education is available to those who have the passion to pursue an aviation career.
2. Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship
The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship is one of the best aviation scholarships to apply for. It is offered by The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
Since 1929, this organization has been inspiring women pilots. Aside from that, they have more than 30 different aviation scholarships available.
Since it was founded, its purpose has been to help women with a passion for aviation. It intends to help women complete their goals, regardless of their financial state.
3. National Aviation Explorer
Coming third on our list is the National Aviation Explorer. It is a program offered by Learning for Life, which is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America. This is a scholarship that was created to boost the morale of aviation enthusiasts.
The scholarship is given to them to advance their education in the aviation industry. The scholarship aims to build future leaders in aviation and to also support students who are eager and determined Explorers.
Note that the scholarship award is in the range of $5,000–$20,000. Applicants must be current and active with the Aviation Explorer post.
4. Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association Scholarships
Apply for this scholarship if you are looking for assistance with your youth aviation education. They offer scholarships for aviation students, and they ensure that the younger generation is ready to help the aviation industry thrive.
Eligibility requirements for this scholarship vary, but students who are applying for this scholarship must make sure they are first enrolled in an aviation program.
5. Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships & Awards
The Amelia Edward scholarship comes in five different forms. All scholarships differ in the aerospace and aviation departments. Aside from scholarships, there would be flight training, emergency maneuver training, technical training, and more.
The goal of this scholarship is to support women in all areas of their aviation careers. If you are applying for this scholarship, you must be a member of Ninety-Nines Inc., and you must also have a realistic goal and drive to further advance in aviation.
6. The LeRoy W.Homer Jr. Scholarships
Most people might not know who LeRoy Homer is, but he was the first officer onboard United Flight No. 93 on September 11, 2001.
This scholarship was set up to honor his integrity and to also help support young adults with a passion for aviation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
7. Women in Aviation International Scholarships
Next on our list are the Women in Aviation International Scholarships (WAI). This scholarship is not just for those interested in becoming pilots; it has scholarships for those interested in professional development, dispatch, aerospace, and aviation maintenance.
WAI has a scholarship for everyone, and if you are looking to advance in aviation, you should apply for this scholarship immediately.
8. AAERO Scholarship
Those who have yet to obtain their private pilot’s certificate can apply for this scholarship. If you apply for this scholarship and are selected, you should be able to complete the training program within 12 months.
The goal of this scholarship is to help committed aviation students. It assists them in completing their flight school. Qualified applicants will receive a scholarship award of $150 to $2,500.
9. UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship
The University Aviation Association (UAA) and the Business Aviation Association (NBAA) are working together to provide scholarships for students enrolled in programs related to aviation.
This scholarship was named after the late Janice Barden. A scholarship award of $1,000 will be awarded to five undergraduates annually.
10. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Flight Training Scholarships
Coming last on our list is the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). It has been consistent with awarding scholarships each year.
Every year, they continue to look out for aspiring pilots who are active in their community. This aviation scholarship will be beneficial to you even if you are currently in flight school or looking to pursue aviation.
FAQs
Are There Aviation Scholarships for Females?
Yes, aviation scholarships are available for females. There are few women in aviation, so scholarship opportunities are specifically meant for them.
Are Aviation Scholarships Legit?
Yes, aviation scholarships are very legit. There are lots of scammers out there, and as a result of this, you have to be very careful when applying for aviation scholarships. However, if you are applying online, you need to be extra careful as well.
How Many Aviation Scholarships Can I Get?
You can get as many aviation scholarships as you want. There are no limits to how many flights you can take. However, any scholarships sponsored by a specific trade school usually have requirements.
One of these requirements is that you have to attend that school if you are accepting the award. However, these types of scholarships have limits.