AOPA adds fourth flight training scholarship

AOPA has added the Jimmie Allen Flying Club Flight Training Scholarship as the fourth award to its Flight Training Scholarship Program. The new scholarship, donated by AOPA member Sarah Wilson who pilots the 1929 Jimmie Allen Stearman Speedmail, will award $5,000 to a student pilot working toward an initial sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate.

Interested applicants may apply online for the suite of scholarships offered by the program including the ASA Flight Training Scholarship, the Jeppesen Flight Training Scholarship, and the Richard J. Santori Memorial Scholarship.

AOPA began offering flight training scholarships in 2011 as part of its Flight Training Student Retention Initiative, designed to improve the flight training experience and help more student pilots succeed in earning a pilot certificate.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen on merit, ability to set goals, and a demonstrated commitment to flight training. To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must be a U.S. citizen at least 16 years old and hold a student pilot certificate but have not yet passed the practical test. Complete eligibility requirements are available online. Applications must be received by Aug. 24.

The scholarships will be awarded at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, Calif., Oct. 11 through 13. The winners will be notified prior to Summit and do not need to be present to accept the award.

Learn more about the Jimmie Allen Flying Club.