EAA Flight Training Scholarships Are Open: Your Path to Funded Flight Training

If you've ever priced out a private pilot certificate and then done the math a second time hoping it came out different, this one's for you. The EAA Flight Training Scholarships for the 2026–2027 cycle are open, and the deadline is December 16, 2026.

Last cycle, the EAA Aviation Foundation handed out more than $487,000 to 71 students. That money comes from donors, a lot of them pilots themselves, who want to help the next person get into the left seat. We'd love to see a few Aviator Zone students on next year's list.

What the Scholarship Covers

You can use it for a new certificate or your next rating: private, instrument, commercial, CFI and others.
You only fill out one application. EAA reviews it against every scholarship you qualify for, and there are more than 30 of them, including ones for women in aviation, Young Eagles alumni, future CFIs, tailwheel endorsements and students with financial need.
The money doesn't go to you. EAA pays your flight school directly in three installments: 40% when you start, another 40% once you hit certain milestones, and the last 20% when you finish the certificate or rating.
You don't have to be an EAA member (although members do get preference), and you don't need to be enrolled at a school yet.

Who Can Apply

You're at least 16 years old
You're a U.S. or Canadian citizen or resident, or you're eligible to study or work in either country, for example on a student visa (you'll need proof)
You'll train at a flight school in the U.S. or Canada. University flight programs aren't eligible for these scholarships.

We're a Part 61 and Part 141 school, so training here qualifies. If you're coming from outside the U.S., we also sponsor M-1 visas.

How to Apply

Know what you're applying for. Which certificate or rating are you working toward? If you're not sure yet, sit down with one of our advisors before you start. It's a lot easier to write about your plan when you actually have one.
Submit the application by December 16, 2026. It's all online: EAA scholarship application.
Line up one reference. Pick someone who knows you well and isn't family. EAA emails them a link to send in their recommendation, and that also has to be in by December 16.
Check your email around March 2. That's when EAA lets everyone know, winners or not. Look in your spam folder too.
If you're selected, finish the paperwork and go fly. EAA sends the money straight to the school. You'll need to wrap up your training by March 1 of the following year.

A Few Tips From Our Side

EAA is looking for people who are going to stick with aviation, so show them that. Mention the flying club, the airshow you helped out at, the Young Eagles flight that got you hooked. The non-aviation stuff counts too: sports, school clubs, volunteer work. And if you've been meaning to join EAA or your local chapter, this is a good reason to do it, since members get preference.

Ask your reference early. A letter written the night before usually reads like one. Give them a couple of weeks and tell them exactly what you're applying for.

And please don't leave it for December 15. Late or incomplete applications don't get reviewed.

Questions about your training plan? Ask your instructor or swing by Dispatch. Questions about the scholarship itself go to EAA at Scholarships@EAA.org.

The Deadline Is December 16

EAA doesn't make exceptions on the date. If cost is the reason you've been putting off your next rating, this is worth an evening of your time.

Start your EAA scholarship application here

Not sure where to begin? Call us at 305.306.7416 or grab one of our advisors next time you're at the school, and we'll help you put your training plan together.

Blue skies and tailwinds.