A student pilot with a demonstrated financial need could earn $12,000 to complete his or her private pilot certificate and use any remaining funds for more advanced flight training or to put that new certificate to use.
Larry Noe is offering $12,000 through the AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Program in hopes of expanding the pilot population by helping an individual “who has a definite interest” in learning how to fly but wouldn’t be able to without the extra funds. Noe said that he wanted to offer a larger scholarship amount to ensure that it would cover all of the training costs for an individual to complete flight training and earn a private pilot certificate.
“It’s difficult to get your private for $5,000,” Noe said, explaining that someone who had a financial need might be forced to stop the flight training process, perhaps within reach of finishing, because of a lack of funds. “Someone who is truly motivated” might be incentivized to complete training early in order to “get money in your pocket to fly,” he said.
Now a Bonanza G36 owner and an instrument-rated commercial pilot, Noe started flight training in 2004 and understands the determination and dedication involved in earning a certificate, as well as the utility of general aviation travel.
“It opens up a whole new world of things you didn’t know existed,” Noe said of flying. He added that he hopes the scholarship will either help someone begin an aviation-related career track or allow the recipient to fly recreationally like he does.
Noe, a member of the AOPA President’s Council, will be offering the Noe-Singer Scholarship for at least three years.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must have a current FAA student pilot certificate at the time of application, be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, be at least 16 years old, be a current and paid member of AOPA (at the time off application and awarding of the scholarship), and not have completed the FAA practical test at the time of application. Scholarship applications are due Aug. 22.
The AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Program, which is funded through the AOPA Foundation, is in its fourth year and is offering the most scholarships in the program’s history. The $12,000 scholarship, along with several $5,000 scholarships, will be awarded at the AOPA Homecoming Fly-In at Frederick, Md., on Oct. 4.
Learn more about the AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Program and see answers frequently asked questions about submitting applications. Interested in giving back to general aviation? Learn more about the AOPA President’s Council and AOPA Foundation.
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