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Training & Safety Flight Schools Flight Training Initiative Flight Training Scholarships Advanced Flight Training Scholarship

AOPA FOUNDATION Advanced Flight Training Scholarship Program

MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH DONATIONS TO THE AOPA FOUNDATION

A special thank you to those who have donated to the AOPA Foundation in support of the Flight Training Scholarship Program. Because of you, we can support passionate aviators who serve as lifelong ambassadors for general aviation.

The Advanced Flight Training scholarship application is now Closed.

ADVANCED RATING SCHOLARSHIPS

To support outstanding pilots with career aspirations, the AOPA Foundation will award various scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, in 2018. Applicants must be seeking one of the following ratings or certificates:

  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor)
  • CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument)
  • MEI (Multi-Engine – Instructor)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Scholarship applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  2. Meet the minimum age requirement, stated below, for the desired rating or certificate by the application close date. There are no exceptions.
    • Instrument - age 17
    • Commercial - age 18
    • CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) –age 18
    • CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument) – age 18
    • MEI (Multi-Engine – Instructor) – age 18
  3. Hold a minimum of an FAA Private Pilot Certificate at the time of application.
  4. Be a current paid member of AOPA at both the time of application and when the scholarship is awarded.
  5. Cannot have completed the FAA practical test/checkride for the desired additional rating at the time of application.
  6. Be either a newly certificated private pilot (within 24 calendar months) or have completed a flight review in accordance with 14CFR 61.56.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Once you submit your application you will receive a unique link for an online recommendation form that is specific to you. Send that exact link to two individuals and ask them to complete the online recommendation form by the application deadline (12 noon, EDT, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018). Send the unique link to only two individuals. The online system will not accept more than two recommendations.
  • When a recommendation is submitted on your behalf, you should receive an email confirmation. You can also log into the application system to see if your recommendations have been submitted.
  • Upon selection as a recipient, you will be required to present a copy of the class of medical required by the FAA to exercise the privileges of the desired rating or certificate, as well as a copy of your Private Pilot Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

I AM A MEMBER AND I AM LOGGED IN, BUT I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT SAYS I MUST LOG IN TO SEE THE APPLICATION.

  1. Log out of AOPA.org
  2. Close your web browser
  3. Re-open your browser and log into AOPA.org
  4. Go to the scholarship page and click on the application link

I CAN’T LOG IN. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Verify you have the correct login ID and password. You may call AOPA Member Services at 800-872-2672 for log in assistance.

I CURRENTLY HOLD A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE TO FLY GLIDERS, AND I AM NOW WORKING TOWARD MY PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE FOR AIRPLANES. CAN I APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP?

No, this scholarship series is reserved for certificated Private Pilots who are seeking to add an advanced rating or certificate. Advanced ratings and certificates for this scholarship program are limited to Instrument, Commercial, CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor), CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument), or MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor). 

HOW DO I FIND THE CERTIFICATE NUMBER ON MY PILOT CERTIFICATE?

If you are a newly certificated pilot, refer to the certificate number located on your Temporary Airman Certificate.

If you have already received your green Private Pilot Certificate card, refer to the front of the card, below your name and personal details. 

I HAVE JUST RECEIVED MY PILOT CERTIFICATE AND HAVE NOT HAD A FLIGHT REVIEW. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE?

A flight review is required every 24 calendar months. The flight review consists of at least one hour of ground instruction and one hour in-flight with a qualified flight instructor, although completion of any phase of the FAA WINGS program also satisfies the requirement for a flight review.

If you have received your pilot certificate and have not had it longer than 24 calendar months, you likely will not have had a flight review. If this is the case, you may use the date of issuance on your Private Pilot Certificate.

If you have had your certificate for more than 24 calendar months and have not completed your flight review, this may affect the outcome of your application.

For more information on flight reviews, refer to the FAA Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR 61.56.

WHAT ARE THE RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE STANDARDS? DO I HAVE TO MEET THESE CRITERIA?

Recent Flight Experience: Pilot in Command (14 CFR 61.57) states that, with very few exceptions, no person may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers or of an aircraft certificated for more than one pilot flight crewmember unless that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days, among other criteria. Read more about these criteria here. You are not required to meet these criteria to apply.

DO I HAVE TO BE ENROLLED IN A COLLEGIATE AVIATION PROGRAM TO APPLY?

No, you are not required to be enrolled in an accredited aviation program or college to apply. However, you must have career aspirations and definitive plans. 

CAN I PRINT THE APPLICATION AND MAIL IT IN?

No, paper applications will not be accepted.

CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION?

No, you cannot submit multiple applications. You only need to submit one application to be considered.

IF I WIN ONE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS HOW DO I GET THE MONEY? DOES IT GO TO MY FLIGHT SCHOOL?

If you are a scholarship recipient the funds are provided to you directly via check. You may use the funds to:

  • Pay your instructor for services rendered
  • Reimburse yourself for past debts in flight training
  • Pursue your next desired rating or certificate

CAN RECOMMENDATIONS BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL?

No, all recommendations must be submitted using the online recommendation link that is provided to you once you submit your application. The link is unique to you and attaches the recommendation to your application.

WHICH TWO PEOPLE SHOULD I HAVE COMPLETE THE ONLINE RECOMMENDATION FORM?

Choose two people who know you well, are familiar with your goal to earn your next rating, and can share why you’ll successfully complete flight training. The best recommendations will come from your flight and/or ground school instructor, a pilot mentor, or a professional colleague.

We do not recommend having family members complete your recommendations unless they are your CFI or serving as a flight training mentor.

Reminder: Be sure to review the FAQs before emailing AOPA with questions.

If your question has not been answered here, please email [email protected].

 

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The Flight Training Scholarship Program is made possible thanks to AOPA Foundation donors.