Aviation is not an inexpensive hobby. Just learning to fly is a costly proposition, but there are resources to help. Here are some of the places to look for scholarships toward your aviation instruction.
EAA Sponsored Scholarships
Ray Aviation Scholarship
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapter network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $11,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $1,800,000 in annual scholarship funding.
Fund Breakdown
- Core Scholarship Fund: All EAA and divisional chapters in the United States and Canada are eligible for a grant up to $11,000.
- Matching Scholarship Fund: Chapters that have successfully mentored at least one Ray Scholar through flight training are eligible for a 25/75 matching scholarship. The chapter commits 25% of the award and Ray Foundation will fund the other 75%.
EAA Post-Secondary Aviation Scholarships
EAA invites those who are interested in pursuing flight or a career in aviation or aviation related/STEM fields. We encourage individuals who are well-rounded, involved in their school or community, and interested in the world of aviation to apply for an EAA Post- Secondary Scholarship.
Chapter 846 Air Academy Scholarship
Chapter 846 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) offers a full scholarship to attend the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI, each year to a deserving area youth who has an interest in aviation. The EAA Air Academy is a fun-filled aviation camp experience for youth ages 16-18. Since 1984, experienced instructors and dedicated staff have shared their knowledge and lore of aviation through hands-on workshop, classroom, and outdoor experiences. The Scholarship covers the entire cost of the camp as charged by EAA, which includes room and board. The recipient of the scholarship will need to provide his/her own transportation to and from Oshkosh. More information about the Advanced Air Academy can be found at here.
The applicant needs to provide two reference letters and an essay attached to the application. The Chapter 846 application process begins each November for the following year.
Additional instructions and requirements are noted on the application form. This scholarship has a value of $1,650. Any questions can be directed to Gary Baker, ggbaker@zoominternet.net, 330-321-6274.
Other Aviation Scholarships
The ECOPA Education & Safety Foundation Flight Scholarship
The purpose of our Flight Scholarship Program is to award scholarships for flight training to young adults who display the aptitude, talent, drive and desire to learn to fly, and to help promote the value of General Aviation in the local East Central Ohio region.
AOPA Scholarships
AOPA members are invited to apply for primary and advanced flight training scholarships, made possible through donations to the AOPA Foundation. Last year, 123 scholarships totaling more than $1 million were awarded.