Applications open for AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Program

The AOPA Foundation will award 11 scholarships in 2014 to help support outstanding student pilots. Ten of the scholarships will provide $5,000, and an eleventh scholarship will award $12,000, to student pilots pursuing an FAA sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate.

Award recipients will be chosen based on merit, including previous accomplishments, ability to set goals, and demonstrated commitment to flight training and general aviation. Applicants must meet the following criteria: be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident; be at least 16 years old; hold a current FAA student pilot certificate at the time of application; be a current and paid member of AOPA at both the time of application and when the scholarship is awarded; and not have completed the FAA practical test/checkride at the time of application.

Qualified candidates can submit applications online. Students will be required to  fill out a series of essay questions and save responses using their AOPA login. Once the application is completed, students will receive a link to share with two references of their choice. They must receive two complete references before the application deadline. Once completed, applications will be reviewed by a team of AOPA staff.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The scholarships will be awarded at the AOPA Homecoming Fly-In in Frederick, Md., on Oct. 4. The winners will be notified prior to the Homecoming Fly-In, and do not need to be present to accept the award.