EAA Aviation Foundation Flight Training Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by EAA Aviation Foundation (Experimental Aircraft Association)
About This Scholarship
The EAA Aviation Foundation, the charitable arm of the Experimental Aircraft Association, funds a large annual slate of scholarships covering flight training and aviation-related post-secondary education. In its most recent cycle the foundation distributed over $487,000 to 71 students, supporting everything from glider and sport pilot licenses to the private pilot certificate, flight ratings, and endorsements.
A single application puts students in the running for every scholarship they qualify for. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and a citizen or resident of the U.S. or Canada (or eligible to work or study there). EAA membership is not required to apply, though members and active chapter participants receive priority in selection — and student membership is free through EAA's youth programs.
Awards are paid in installments tied to training progress: 40% up front, 40% at benchmarks, and 20% upon completion, which keeps recipients accountable for finishing their training.
Eligibility
- At least 16 years old at the time of application
- Citizen or resident of the U.S. or Canada, or eligible to work or study in either
- Pursuing flight training or aviation-related post-secondary education
- EAA membership NOT required, though members and chapter volunteers are prioritized
- Some named funds add GPA or financial-need criteria
How To Apply
- Apply online at EAA.org/scholarships between October 1 and December 19, 2026
- Submit one application to be considered for all eligible named scholarships
- Include a non-relative character reference; post-secondary applicants also submit unofficial transcripts
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an EAA member to win a scholarship?
No. Membership is not required, but EAA members and active EAA chapter members are prioritized during selection, and youth membership is free.