Scholarships heat up as temps cool off

November 8, 2022 By Lillian Geil

Editor's note: This article was updated November 14 with additional information.

Flight training tends to slow down as temperatures drop and the days get shorter. However, aviation scholarship opportunities are still ramping up.

Photo by Chris Rose.

Whether you’re interested in flight training, maintenance, or business aviation, fall is the perfect time to apply for scholarships. Funds may even arrive along with a warmer season.

Enough EAA scholarships to go around

There are more than $1 million in scholarships awarded annually through the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the 2023 application has just opened.

EAA knows that pursuing a job in the aviation industry can be an expensive endeavor, which is why the majority of scholarships are a minimum of $5,000—sure to make a significant dent in training for any aviation or flight enthusiast who is at least 16 years old.

For more details about the selection process and the application link, visit EAA’s website.

Love music and flight?

The Flying Musicians Association has a unique scholarship opportunity that encourages students to join a community of pilots and musicians. The FMA Solo Scholarship Program provides scholarships for high school music students (juniors and seniors) who also have a passion for flight.

"FMA members love assisting others who share our passions of flying and music," said FMA President and CEO John Zapp. “To be able to assist and watch our student population grow through aviation and music while inspiring others is such a rewarding experience.”

The number of scholarships awarded annually is determined by the funds raised for the program, and awards aim to take students from zero hours to solo, while also aiding with flight training materials and gear.

Applicants must be nominated by a music teacher/director, and the deadline for nomination is January 31.

NBAA celebrates future of business aviation

Fourteen scholarships were announced at this year's National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, celebrating young people who are pursuing careers in business aviation.

Awards were presented for individuals interested in, and pursuing, study in nearly every corner of the aviation industry, including aviation maintenance, scheduling and dispatching, flight training, aviation management, aeronautics, and aerospace.

Visit the NBAA website for more information about scholarships offered by NBAA and a full list of recipients.

Calling all cadets

The Spaatz Association Aerospace Leadership Scholarship is targeted toward Civil Air Patrol cadets who are interested in obtaining a private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. Interested applicants must fit the conditions of the scholarship and submit an application package that includes proof of academic standing, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Worth $3,500, the scholarship application closes on November 30; winners will be announced in early March.

Two NBAA scholarship deadlines approaching

With the National Business Aviation Association offering over $100,000 annually in scholarships and tuition reimbursement, there are near-constant opportunities for those interested in the business aviation industry. Two such scholarships have upcoming deadlines.

The Leadership Conference Scholarship is for aviation professionals interested in attending the 2023 NBAA Leadership Conference from February 27 through March 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The scholarship will cover the registration for the individual, an approximate $1,800 value for nonmembers. The application deadline is November 30.

The AMT Maintenance Scholarship is targeted toward current or aspiring business aviation maintenance technicians. Recipients will receive the opportunity to take a course in aircraft, engine, and avionics training. The application deadline is December 13.