Flight Training

AOPA Foundation awards for primary flight training, advanced ratings, aviation maintenance, and other aviation career pathways; current AOPA membership is required.

Application briefing Opening soon
Award
$250–$14,000, depending on award
Deadline
Fall cycle: December 30, 2026
Best for
Student pilots, advanced ratings, maintenance, and aviation careers
Geographic eligibility
United States, Canada, and listed U.S. territories
Number of awards
Numerous; includes at least 90 high-school awards
Total program funding
Not published
Membership
Current AOPA membership required
Application cycle
Fall and spring application periods

FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.

View official application

About this opportunity

The AOPA Foundation administers a large group of donor-supported scholarships through a shared application. Opportunities cover primary pilot certification, advanced ratings, aviation maintenance, and several other aviation career pathways. Because one application can match an applicant with multiple awards, the detailed criteria and amounts differ across the program.

Who can apply

Applicants must be current AOPA members. The current program is open to eligible residents of the United States and District of Columbia, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Individual matched awards may add age, certificate, GPA, location, training, or career-path requirements.

What the award may cover

Depending on the matched award, funds may support primary flight training, advanced certificates and ratings, aviation maintenance training, or other aviation career education. Award funds are issued through a prepaid expense card.

How to apply

Create an account in the AOPA Foundation application system, complete one general application, and upload every requested transcript, reference, and supporting document. The system matches the applicant with awards for which the application may qualify.

  • Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
  • Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
  • Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
  • Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.

Selection and application notes

Fall-period applicants are scheduled to receive decisions by April 15. Spring-period applicants are scheduled to receive decisions by September 15.

Planning tip: Confirm that the membership record and email address are current before starting. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.