AOPA opens applications for flight training scholarships

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is now accepting applications for 2021 AOPA Flight Training Scholarships. Deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2021.

Last year, 124 scholarships totaling more than $1 million were awarded, according to AOPA officials .

“AOPA’s mission is to protect your freedom to fly, and these scholarships bring this vision alive by opening the sky to more people with that passion,” said Elizabeth Tennyson, executive director of AOPA’s You Can Fly program. “These scholarships help current and future aviators at all points of the flying spectrum, especially for those from segments who may not have seen a path to the cockpit.”

AOPA is offering flight training scholarships in several categories:

High School Flight Training Scholarship

Thanks to the generosity of the Ray Foundation, a number of high school students, ages 15 to 18, will receive flight training scholarships in 2021. In 2020, 80 students were awarded $10,000 each.

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 a solo flight or earning a primary pilot certificate within one year of receiving a scholarship.

The overall milestone success rate for scholarship winners stands at an impressive 87%, AOPA officials note.

Go to AOPA.org for eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.

Teacher Flight Training Scholarship

A number of teachers will be awarded scholarships to pursue a primary pilot certificate (private, sport, or recreational pilot). In 2020, 20 teachers each received a $10,000 scholarship.

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

Primary Flight Training Scholarships

These scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, are open to current AOPA members who are at least 16 years of age by the application deadline. The scholarship can be applied to training for a private pilot, sport pilot, or recreational pilot certificate.

Go to AOPA.org for eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.

Advanced Rating Scholarships

For pilots who dreams of making aviation a career, 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)

Questions about the application process? Email [email protected].