Dreaming of becoming a pilot or getting an additional rating? EAA can help your aviation dreams become a reality.
EAA’s scholarships are supported by dozens of donors, benefactors, and others who “pass it forward” by endowing these programs. In all, EAA awards more than $1 million in aviation scholarship money via various programs each year.
All applications are reviewed against the criteria for the individual scholarships and then awarded to those who show the greatest potential to be actively engaged in aviation.
EAA strives to provide scholarships that have a minimum award of $5,000. Awards are made up of the following funds:
- Adapt to Fly Scholarship
- Air Academy Alumni Scholarship
- Elgin Wells Jr. Starjammer CFI Scholarship
- Florence “Coffy” Gregory Scholarship
- Harrison Ford Scholarship
- Jason Kurt Lohr Aviation Scholarship
- John S. Bradbury Memorial Scholarship
- Noah Favaregh Scholarship
- Richard R. Harper Memorial Scholarship
- Stephen "Ben" Haas Memorial Scholarship
- Tinker Murdock Family Scholarship
- Will Martin Flight Training Scholarship
- Wilson “Tex” Edwards Memorial Scholarship
- Heather McRoberts Memorial Scholarship*
- Matthew Platt Scholarship
*For more information, visit the EAA GirlVenture Camp page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a flight training scholarship cover?
Flight training scholarships may be used to cover costs at any flight training school in the United States and Canada that is not a university program.
Do I have to be an EAA member to apply?
You do not need to be a current EAA member to apply for a scholarship.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I apply for a flight training scholarship?
We encourage individuals from all countries to apply. However, all scholarship awards must be used at a flight training school within the United States or Canada.
What are the age requirements to apply for a flight training scholarship?
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a flight training scholarship.
When can I apply for a flight training scholarship?
Applications open November 1st every year and close March 1st.
Are you strict about the application deadline?
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. No exceptions will be made for missing the final application deadline.
Does the application require a recommendation?
On your application, you will be asked to enter the name of one character reference. Once you submit your application, your reference will be sent a link to complete the online recommendation. Please ask your reference to complete the recommendation before the application deadline. Applications will be considered late and will not be accepted if the recommendation is not complete by the deadline.
Will I be notified when my application was received?
You will receive an automatic email notification when your application has been submitted.
When will I be notified if I am selected for a scholarship?
All winners and non-winners will receive an email sent to the email address listed on your application shortly after May 1st. Please list an email address that you check often! If you have not received an email, please check your spam folder.
What are the next steps if I am awarded a flight training scholarship?
If you win a scholarship, you will be sent an email with documents for completion. Once EAA has received these, the disbursement process will begin.
EAA will send a check directly to the flight school.* The first installment will be 40% of the total amount awarded. After certain benchmarks, the next 40% will be dispersed. Once you have completed the certification or rating you are pursuing, the remaining 20% will be awarded.
*Please note, you have one year from the date of your award to use the funds of an EAA scholarship if the scholarship is non-renewable. If not all money is used during this designated year, the money will revert back to the EAA Scholarship Fund.
Additional questions should be directed to Scholarships@EAA.org.
Tips for Submitting Your Best Application
- Start early and don’t miss the deadline.
- Read the requirements and follow all directions, paying attention to the details.
- Proofread and review thoroughly before submission. Ensure your answers have correct grammar and spelling.
- Provide detailed answers to the essay questions that describe how you stand out from other applicants.
- Being a member of EAA and a member of an EAA chapter will make your application stand out.
- Volunteering for local organizations, both aviation and non-aviation related, will also highlight your application to the selection committee.
