LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Scholarship
Annual private-pilot flight-training scholarships for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents ages 16-23 who do not already hold a private pilot certificate.
- Award
- Private pilot training valued below approximately $17,000
- Deadline
- January 31 annually
- Best for
- Young people seeking their first private pilot certificate
- Geographic eligibility
- United States
- Number of awards
- Four recipients selected for 2026
- Total program funding
- Not published
- Membership
- No membership requirement published
- Application cycle
- Annual October 31–January 31 window
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation funds private pilot certification for qualified young adults who intend to pursue professional aviation. The scholarship is designed as a complete training opportunity rather than a small reimbursement award and requires recipients to make consistent progress during a defined training window.
Who can apply
Applicants must be ages 16–23 by the deadline, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, meet the foundation’s conduct and English-language rules, and not already hold a private pilot certificate. The program is not intended for students receiving private-pilot training as part of a university flight program.
What the award may cover
The award supports approximately 45–65 hours of flight training, basic course materials, one written examination, and one private-pilot practical test within the specified training window. It does not reimburse previous training or cover optional equipment.
How to apply
Apply through the foundation’s online application during the annual window. The submission includes eligibility screening, school records, recommendations, essays, and the ground-school or written-test preparation requirements published for the cycle.
- 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 announces recipients in May, near Memorial Day, and contacts applicants after selections are complete.
Planning tip: Plan for an intensive six-month training period and complete the required ground-school preparation before the award conditions require it.