Two annual scholarship periods to help our members achieve their aviation goals! Thanks to generous donor support, we award over $1 million each year to help AOPA members take the next step in their aviation journey, whether that’s pursuing primary flight training, earning advanced ratings and certificates, or building a career through pathways like aviation maintenance.
Key Details
- Fall Application Period: October 1–December deadline, 11:59 p.m. ET (all Fall period applicants will be notified of award decisions by April 15)
- Spring Application Period: April 1 - June deadline, 11:59 p.m. ET (all Spring period applicants will be notified of award decisions by September 15).
- Eligibility: Open to current AOPA members who are residents of the United States & District of Columbia, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Not a member? Click here to see our membership options. High School students qualify for a free membership.
- Award Amounts:
- Numerous scholarship opportunities ranging from $250 to $14,000 (amounts may vary depending on donor funding)
- High School Students: At least 90 scholarships of $12,000 each for students aged 16-18 to earn their private pilot certificate. Additional criteria apply.
- Teachers Using the AOPA You Can Fly Curriculum: Apply for one of up to 20 scholarships, at $12,000 each, to earn your private pilot certificate. Additional criteria apply.
If You’re Selected
- Scholarship awardees will be notified by April 15 for the fall application period and by September 15 for the spring application period. Please use an address you check regularly.
- Scholarship funds are provided via a prepaid expense card.
- Scholarship funds expire 12 months after the award date for flight training scholarships and 24 months after the award date for aviation maintenance scholarships.
Scholarship Value: $14,000
Awards Available: 100
Award Deadline: Dec 31, 2026