Paying for Training

Ways to Pay for Getting a Pilot’s License

There’s no doubt that obtaining a pilot’s license is an expensive proposition. On average, the private pilot’s license will run $15-$20,000 in the US. To obtain all of your ratings to fly professionally, you are likely to spend $70-$120,000 depending on which route you choose to take. Below is a list of partial opportunities to help finance your pilot career.

Scholarships and Grants (Partial List)

 There’s more than $10 million in flight training scholarships given away annually. The vast majority of scholarships do NOT receive applications for all of their flight training scholarships. Please take the time to review the various organizations and companies that provide scholarship opportunities, if you are struggling to pay for your flight training. Yes, it will require some legwork, and no one will hand it to you. However, I have seen so many people (including myself), pay for part or all of their flight training utilizing help from some of these organizations.


Aviation-Specific Scholarships:

  • Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Scholarships.
  • Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Flight Training Scholarships.
  • Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships.
  • Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
  • Civil Air Patrol Scholarships.
  • University Aviation Association Scholarships.
  • Air Traffic Control Association Scholarships.
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarships.
  • Aircraft Electronics Association Scholarships.
  • Clay Lacy Aviation Scholarships.
  • National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Scholarships.
Corporate and Airline-Sponsored Scholarships/Loans:
  • American Airlines Cadet Academy Financial Assistance.
  • Delta Propel Program Financial Aid.
  • Federal Grants Financial Aid
General Educational Grants:
  • Federal Pell Grants (if enrolled in college-affiliated programs).
  • State-based aviation grants or education programs.

Loans and Financing Options

 Taking out loans to pay for flight training, needs to be carefully considered. Please do not take this option lightly; however, if you can cashflow the training cost, once you finish your training it should be something you should consider. One major benefit of having all of the funds you need to complete your flight training


Private Student Loans:

  • Sallie Mae Career Training Loans.
  • Wells Fargo Student Loans for Aviation.

Personal Loans:

  • From banks, credit unions, or online lenders.

Flight School Financing:

  • Many flight schools partner with financing companies like Meritize or Climb Credit.

Credit Card Payments:

  • Some flight schools allow payment through credit cards, though this may result in high-interest rates.

Home Equity Loans or HELOCs:

  • Borrow against home equity to pay for flight training.

Employer Sponsorship Programs

Outside of the United States, many airlines actually pay for prospective pilot’s training. In the United States, some airlines do help arrange financing, provide scholarships, or some from of reimbursement; but, a lot of aviation companies will reimburse flight training or provide grants for current full-time employees. This allows you to obtain your flight ratings, while earning a living. Consider all options to obtain your flight training.


Airline Cadet Programs:

  • Some airline programs provide scholarships or reimbursement for their “cadet” programs. Great option to not only help finance your training, but also secure a pilot position early in your training!
Aviation Associations:
  • Most aviation associations will pay for a part or all of your flight training while you earn a competitive wage for your position. Not only will you have the opportunity to earn your flight ratings, you also have the opportunity to make a difference in the aviation industry.
Corporate Aviation Sponsorships:
  • Many Fixed Based Operators (FBO’s) and charter companies will pay for part or all of flight training (especially type ratings). Many flight schools will provide employee pricing discounts for flight training, if the student works at the company.

Military Service

Just a few decades ago, flying in the military was a great career route to pay for your flight training. Well, it still is! Consider joining any of the military branches. The US military employes almost 30,000 fixed-wing and helicopter pilots.

  • Join the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, or Marines for flight training.
  • Training is fully funded, and you gain valuable flight hours.
  • After service, transition to civilian aviation.

GI Bill and Military Benefits

 Another major benefit of serving in the military is the GI Bill and Military Benefits. Such as:
  • Veterans can use the GI Bill to pay for flight training, provided they attend an approved program.
  • Some schools are eligible for tuition assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

College or University Programs

Most aviation accredited colleges & universities include the flight training as a part of a degree program. As such, flight training falls under traditional college degree programs. This means flight training can be obtained with significantly more favorable interest rates if it’s part of a degree program! Please explore this option. Most universities that offer flight training programs, are a part of the University Aviation Association.


Financial Aid:

  • Federal student aid (FAFSA) for aviation programs.
  • Institutional scholarships for aviation students.
Flight Training Included in Tuition:
  • Many universities with aviation programs (e.g., Embry-Riddle, Purdue) include flight training in tuition fees.
Part-Time Work or Paid Flight Roles
Once you obtain your commercial pilot’s license, there are numerous ways to obtain additional flight training, while getting paid! Below are just a few of the basic opportunities.
  • Flight Instructor: Earn money while building hours for advanced licenses.
  • Charter or Sightseeing Pilot: Work part-time flying tours or charter flights.
  • Aviation Jobs While Training: Airport ground crew, dispatcher, or aircraft maintenance roles. (Many companies will provide discounted rental rates for employees)