Organizations offer range of training scholarships

Scholarships cover flight training, maintenance, and education

June 30, 2014 By Benét J. Wilson

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Aviation organizations recognize the importance of investing in the future of aviation by offering scholarships. This month, AOPA points student and current pilots to scholarships that can help them achieve their aviation dreams. Share these opportunities with those you know who are in training for an aviation-related field.

Scholarship opportunities

The National Business Aviation Association is offering scholarships designed to promote aviation careers. The Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship is for undergraduates pursuing careers in business aviation management. The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship is for undergraduate students who are enrolled at NBAA/University Aviation Association (UAA)-member institutions. The NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship is for an undergraduate who is officially enrolled as an aerospace engineering or aeronautical systems maintenance engineering major at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship targets those pursuing careers as maintenance technicians. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is July 31. The UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship awards $1,000 to each of five undergraduates studying aviation-related curricula at NBAA- and UAA-member institutions. Its application deadline is Oct. 31.

The Arthur M. Godfrey Foundation is accepting applications for two categories of scholarships: $10,000 for the private pilot, light sport, or A&P categories for those aged 16 through 20; and $5,000 for the advanced certification category for applicants ages 18 to 25 who already have a current private pilot certificate. See the foundation's website for the various entry deadlines.

The Experimental Aircraft Association has opened applications for scholarships created to help youths with their flight training expenses. The GoPro "Go Fly" Scholarship offers $7,500 for flight training. The deadline to apply is July 15. The $500 WAI Oshkosh Chapter Spirit of Flight Scholarship is open to women of all ages who have already soloed and are working on their recreational, sport, private, or commercial certificate, instrument or multiengine rating, or CFI. The deadline to apply is July 19. The Tinker Murdock Flight Training Award is for a Young Eagle/Next Step applicant seeking to further his or her aviation training by earning a private pilot certificate. The Richard Harper Flight Training Scholarship will help a youth earn his or her private pilot certificate. The deadline for these scholarships is July 4. Finally, the Harrison Ford scholarship will help young people achieve their dreams of flight at whatever level a need exists, with awards supporting EAA Air Academy, flight training, and academic tuition. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31.

Colorado Sport Aviation is offering six aviation scholarships through its Berkman/Langen Memorial Fund to honor two members who died in an aircraft accident in 2007. Available scholarships are: $1,000 for flight training for those pursuing a sport or private certificate; $1,000 for those with a private pilot certificate who want to continue their training; $1,000 for advanced training for military veterans; $1,000 for those pursuing an aviation degree in college; $1,000 for those pursuing an A&P certificate; and 10 $100 scholarships for discovery flights or ground school. The deadline to apply is Aug. 3.

The National Agricultural Aviation Association is offering a $5,000 and $2,500 scholarship for those interested in becoming an ag pilot. The funds can be used for flight training or agricultural coursework at a university, college, community college, or other institution of higher learning. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.