The cost of flight training is a concern for many aspiring pilots. The career is absolutely worth it, but the upfront cost can be a difficult hurdle. There are many options available to help you pay for flight training including scholarships, loans made specifically for pilots, financial aid and military benefits.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Many current ExpressJet pilots have used the aid of scholarships and grants to offset both their tuition and flight training costs. Applying for scholarships can be daunting, but persistence pays off. While you might not find a scholarship that covers your full expenses, every little bit helps your overall bill.
Start with your school
Look at your university first, as they often offer scholarships specifically for their students. Your school already has your FASFA results and transcripts, which makes applying easier. Many universities award students scholarships based on financial need and/or merit. Depending on the program you are enrolled in, your tuition and flight training are often two separate financial accounts. In this case your school might have general education scholarships and/or aviation specific scholarships. We compiled a list of some school-specific aviation scholarships here. (See list below)
Aviation scholarships
There are hundreds of aviation scholarships available to aviators across the world. Some are based on what type of pilot you want to become, for example the National Agricultural Aviation Association generously provides several scholarships for agricultural pilots, some support diversity in our industry, and some are based on financial need. We put together this spreadsheet of aviation industry scholarships. (See list below)
Educational scholarships
Millions of dollars are given each year in scholarships from funds across the country to help students fund their education. Educational scholarship parameters have the reputation of being more inclusive of everyone including first-generation college students, underrepresented minorities, low-income family history, military experience and professional organization affiliations. Scholarships.com can help you find scholarships that work for you.
AVIATION LOANS
While traditional scholarships and financial aid are great, flight training is unique. Several companies have developed loan programs designed to support flight training costs. These are tailored to our industry, only available to future pilots, and a great option to get the kind of repayment plan that will best benefit you. Pilotfinance.com is one of the organizations that specializes in pilot loans.
FINANCIAL AID
All students attending a four-year college or university should complete the FAFSA and apply for financial aid. From the Federal Pell Grant, to subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans and personal loans, there are a lot of ways to finance your education. Collegescholarship.org outlines many of these options specific to aviation.
MILITARY BENEFITS
Future aviators who have served in our Armed Forces can use GI-Bill benefits to pay for flight training, and many schools specialize in supporting VA loans. If your parents served in the military, some unused post-911 GI-Bill benefits are transferable to children and can help pay for flight training. You can also complete your flight training in the military. Aviationschoolsonline.com offers guidance on using military benefits, as well as some additional ideas on how to pay for flight training.
Focus on your future
Stay encouraged – it is possible to achieve your dreams! If you are a student pilot looking for some additional career guidance and interested in being mentored by ExpressJet’s pilots then consider enrolling in our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3), which offers students at partner schools a guaranteed job at ExpressJet after completing program requirements. It might help convince your parents to keep the payments coming if they know you have a guaranteed job! Additional information on the program can be found at expressjet.com/ap3.
And remember, joining the ExpressJet team gives you the best total compensation over your entire career, which is the best way to pay back your loans. When you are six months from earning your hours complete an application at expressjet.com/apply to set up an interview with ExpressJet for a first officer position.
Written by: Brittany Bunch; ExpressJet Airlines
