You can learn how to fly for FREE. I'm not making this up. In this article I will give you multiple ways of becoming a pilot with little to no money out of your pocket with Pilot Training Scholarships. Many people have the dream of flying an airplane or helicopter and have no idea that it is even a possibility (especially financially). You can become a pilot at any age. Imagine yourself flying to new destinations around the world. Seeing the most amazing views of any “office”. Operating some of the most sophisticated technology known to man, including a variety of glass cockpits with G1000 avionics and getting paid VERY WELL to do it! This absolutely can be a realistic dream come true. I am going to enlighten you on what NOT to do and also what TO do when it comes to pilot training scholarships. I promise you this read is well worth your time.
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Types of Training Schools
There are two main avenues when learning to fly. Part 141 and Part 61 are your options. Part 141 Pilot Training Schools are required to have a structured training program and syllabus. It is similar to a college for learning to fly. You attend a designated school location, get an instructor assigned to you or there may even be multiple instructors that train you. Part 141 schools tend to be more expensive and very structured with a high student turn over rate. Part 61 pilot training is a more simple training program. I would compare Part 61 pilot training with hiring a personal trainer at a gym. You hire a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and they teach you to fly in either a rental aircraft or in your own aircraft if you decide to purchase one. Part 61 pilot training can usually be done for less money overall than Part 141 Flight Schools.
Process of Becoming a Pilot
There are many different types of pilot certificates and ratings. They include Private-Pilot, Instrument (IFR), Commercial-Pilot, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). In this article, I will only be referencing the Private-Pilot certificate. Each of them requires different ground training, which is usually accomplished online, and flight training is accomplished in either a certified flight simulator or an actual aircraft. The very first step that should be done is to get an FAA flight medical. By getting your medical done at the beginning, you will know up front if there are any medical conditions that may get in the way of your dream of flying. Medical problems or medications could be an issue and you may not even realize. It will save you lots and lots of money and frustration if you find out there is a problem with your medical BEFORE you begin spending your time and money on training to be a pilot. There have been instances where people have spent thousands of dollars towards their training to ultimately find out that they are unable to pass an FAA Medical and therefore cannot complete their pilot certificate. If you decide to pursue the Part 61 route, the next step will be to decide on a Private Pilot ground school and find a local Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Ground school is the “book work” to becoming a pilot. There are many great online ground schools that include Rod Machado Aviation Learning Center, King Schools, Sporty's, MzeroA, The Pilot Institute, and more. Find one that you like and join it. I have personally used most of them and they have been great. They have great videos and quizzes that will teach you everything you need to know to complete your next step, which is your FAA Written Test. Once you have finished your online ground school you will receive a digital endorsement that will allow you to take the FAA Written Test. You can find locations and schedule your test at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing. The best part is…While you are working on your ground school you are able to begin your flight training in the aircraft. The reason this is great is because you get hands on experience while learning from the books / videos.
Type of Training / Testing
Your CFI will guide you through the many training requirements that are set by the FAA during your flight training. Once you have completed your FAA written and all your FAA required flight training with your CFI, you will be eligible to take your Private pilot checkride with an FAA Examiner or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). On the day of your checkride, you will complete an oral interview of all that you have learned during your ground school and flight training. Upon passing the oral interview, you will then perform a flight test with the examiner. Your CFI will have made sure that you were well prepared for the checkride prior to you going into the test, so no worries. After successful completion of the flight test, it's time to celebrate! Now you are officially a Private Pilot. You'll have the freedom to fly an airplane into any public airport, day or night, and with passengers. You will forever remember that day and the incredible accomplishment you achieved!
Ways to Fly Free with Pilot Training Scholarships
Now for the good stuff. Get involved in the aviation community! Visit websites like AOPA.org (Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association), EAA.org (Experimental Aircraft Association), Civil Air Patrol, American Bonanza Society, and the Ninety-Nines Women Pilot Association. Anyone can join and they all have great scholarship opportunities. Not only will these be a great source for scholarships but they will also help you meet and get to know people in the aviation industy if that is where you plan on working once your training is complete. If you search Google for Pilot Scholarships you will find so many opportunities to get your pilot training done for free.
Were you in the Military?
Are you active or prior military? Did you know that you can also apply your GI Bill towards flight school for civil aviation and get a large majority of it paid for that way? It's true! Many of today's professional pilots are US Military Veterans that have used their GI Bill to successfully transition into a great career soaring the skies. Visit https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ for more information.
Top 5 Scholarship Links
- https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly/aviation-scholarships
- https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/scholarships
- https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarships.htm
- https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/cadetinvest/flight-scholarships
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/aviation-scholarships/
- https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/aviation-scholarships/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get scholarships to become a pilot?
- Absolutely!!! There are incredible amounts of scholarships posted every year for Pilot training
Do airlines offer scholarships?
- There are a variety of airlines that offer scholarships. Many of them offer their scholarships through their cadet pilot programs. These programs encourage individuals to consider a career with their airlines.
Can you get financial aid to become a pilot?
- Yes! If financial aid is necessary to attend flight school it is best to seek FAA Part 141 schools. These schools usually have departments that specifically deal with financial aid.
How to qualify for aviation scholarships?
- Most aviation scholarships are based on an application and essay submission. Each scholarship issuing entity has its own set of qualifications and they can usually be located on their post of the scholarship.
Who are aviation scholarships for?
- Everyone! There are aviation scholarships for each and every person and many scholarships go unrewarded each and every year.
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