Scholarships
We've compiled the national and Iowa aviation scholarships our students use most to fund private, instrument, commercial, and CFI training — from AOPA and EAA to newer resources like AviationStart built to match you with money you're already eligible for.
National Scholarship Directory
Every organization below funds flight training or aviation-career study for students across the country — not just in Iowa. Confirm current eligibility and award details on each site before applying.
AOPA Flight Training Scholarships
Dozens of awards funded through the AOPA Foundation, covering a certificate or rating in progress.
- Dedicated tracks for high school students
- Funded through AOPA Foundation donations
EAA Flight Training Scholarships
Donor-funded awards covering primary flight training, additional ratings, and post-secondary aviation study.
- Includes GirlVenture Scholarships track
- EAA members and chapter members prioritized
Aviation Scholarship Finder
A free, searchable database aggregating pilot, A&P, and aviation-business scholarships from hundreds of organizations.
- Over $20 million in aggregated scholarships
- Free to register, no membership required
WAI Scholarship Program
One of the largest annual scholarship listings in the industry, spanning flight training, maintenance, and engineering.
- Dozens of individual award tracks yearly
- Open to WAI members
Flight Training Scholarship
Named for the First Officer of Flight 93, this foundation funds Private Pilot Certificate training for young aviators.
- Supports Private Pilot Certificate training
- Open to students pursuing professional aviation
Aviation Scholarship
A privately funded award given each year to one deserving student working toward a Private Pilot Certificate.
- One award granted annually
- For Private Pilot Certificate students
Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships
Funded through the international organization of women pilots, supporting flight training and advanced ratings.
- Run by the world's oldest women pilots' organization
- Supports training through type ratings
OBAP Scholarship Program
Supports students pursuing pilot, maintenance, and aerospace engineering careers nationwide.
- Distributed through local OBAP chapters
- Covers pilot, maintenance, and engineering tracks
Apply Early. Apply Often.
Between the national providers above and Iowa-specific awards, more than $20 million in aviation scholarship funding is available every year — and much of it goes unclaimed. Even smaller scholarships add up, and stacking several is common practice for our students.
Have questions about which programs fit your training plan? Our team can help you build an application strategy.
Contact Us for GuidanceIowa & Regional Opportunities
A few additional awards prioritize Midwest and Iowa-based applicants — worth a look if you're training with us in Des Moines.
IBAA CFI & ATP-CTP Scholarship
Established with Jet Air, Midland Aircraft, and Revv Aviation to fund an initial CFI certificate for a candidate building a career in Iowa aviation.
- Funds initial CFI certificate
- Partnered with three Iowa aviation businesses
Chuck McDonald Aviation Training Scholarship
A $2,500 award for applicants ages 16–24 beginning a career path in aviation, first granted in 2022.
- $2,500 award
- Open to ages 16–24
Scholarship Resources
Browse the national scholarships we've researched and compiled above.
A premier platform for discovering and applying to aviation scholarships across the industry — consolidating hundreds of funding opportunities in one searchable database.
Pro Tip: Apply to scholarships early and often. Even smaller scholarships add up — spend a few hours on AviationStart and this list, and it could save you thousands in training costs.
Scholarship FAQs
Are these scholarships only for Vertical Vision Flight Academy students?
No. The national scholarships listed — including AOPA, EAA, AviationStart, and Women in Aviation International — are open to eligible students at any flight school in the country. The Iowa-specific awards prioritize applicants training in Iowa, which includes VVFA students.
What can aviation scholarships be used for?
Most aviation scholarships cover flight training costs toward a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, or Certified Flight Instructor rating. Some also fund aviation maintenance (A&P), aerospace engineering, or other aviation-business degree programs.
How do I find every aviation scholarship I'm eligible for?
Start with the major national providers — AOPA, EAA, and Women in Aviation International — then use a free aggregator like AviationStart, which maintains a searchable database of hundreds of aviation scholarships and grants.
Do scholarship deadlines and award amounts change every year?
Yes. Eligibility rules, deadlines, and award amounts for aviation scholarships are set annually by each organization, so applicants should confirm current details directly on the organization's website before applying.