Figure 1 Foundation Flight Scholarships
California-based glider, PPL, tailwheel, spin, upset-recovery, and aerobatic scholarships with several deadlines each year.
- Award
- Up to $1,750 to $5,000 plus selected aircraft costs
- Deadline
- September 30, 2026 for fall advanced training; December 31 for the PPL program
- Best for
- Youth glider students and pilots pursuing PPL, tailwheel, spin, upset-recovery, or aerobatic training
- Geographic eligibility
- Training is based at Crystalaire or Santa Paula, California; some awards accept international applicants
- Number of awards
- Multiple awards across five training pathways
- Total program funding
- Varies by program and training cost
- Membership
- No membership requirement
- Application cycle
- Multiple annual cycles
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
The Figure 1 Foundation funds grassroots and advanced flight training designed to improve access, safety, and professional readiness. Its unusual portfolio ranges from a teenager's first glider solo to advanced tailwheel, spin-recovery, and aerobatic experience for certificated pilots.
Who can apply
Requirements vary by program. Youth glider and fixed-wing PPL applicants must meet published age and citizenship rules; tailwheel and upset-recovery applicants must hold a private pilot certificate or higher. Advanced programs accept international applicants.
What the award may cover
Programs support glider training through solo or checkride, tailwheel endorsements, upset recovery and spin training, introductory aerobatics, and a Santa Paula tailwheel private-pilot pathway. Funding and included aircraft costs vary.
How to apply
Email one combined PDF containing the Foundation application, questionnaire, resume, recommendations, identification, certificates, medical, and logbook pages required for the selected program.
- 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
The Foundation selects competitive applicants who demonstrate career intent, aviation-community service, safety commitment, readiness, and fit for the selected training pathway.
Planning tip: Confirm the required training airport and personal cost share before applying, particularly for the fixed-wing private-pilot scholarship.