Scholarships
Making Your Aviation Dreams Attainable
At Safety In Motion Flight Center, we understand that pursuing your aviation dreams is a significant investment. As the Pacific Northwest's leader in providing safe, professional, and comprehensive aviation services, we're committed to helping aspiring pilots find ways to fund their flight training journey.
Our team at both our Puyallup, WA and Olympia, WA locations can help you explore various financial resources available to make your flight training more affordable. Whether you're pursuing a Private Pilot license or aiming for a career as an airline pilot, these scholarship opportunities listed below may be able to offset your flight training costs.
CONTACT US to Learn more.
Aviation Scholarship Opportunities
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation
The AOPA awards over $1 million annually in scholarships, with flight training awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for various levels of training. They offer specific programs for high school students and teachers through their "You Can Fly" initiative. AOPA membership is required, but they offer free student memberships.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Students in science or engineering programs pursuing a career in aerospace can benefit by applying to one of the many scholarships offered by the AIAA each year.
Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association
The ADMA offers at least one scholarship for college juniors seeking a professional pilot or aviation management undergraduate degree.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
The CAP's CadetInvest program offers flight scholarships and financial assistance to cadets who demonstrate strong academic achievement. Annual membership fees for cadets are less than $50.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
EAA provides scholarship opportunities for pilots at all proficiency levels, including several for individuals under 18 years old. They also offer post-secondary scholarships for students pursuing aviation careers after high school.
LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship supports anyone between the ages of 16 and 23 desiring to become a private pilot.
Museum of Flight
Located in Seattle, the Museum of Flight offers scholarships specifically for Washington state high school students pursuing their private pilot license, with a focus on those interested in professional aviation careers.
The Ninety-Nines
This organization of women pilots has distributed over $11 million through Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships since the 1940s. Membership is required, and funding covers all levels of flight training.
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
WAI distributes hundreds of thousands in scholarships annually to women pilots and aspiring pilots at all stages of their aviation journey. These scholarships support various training paths from private pilot to advanced ratings.
Diversity-Focused Aviation Scholarships
Several organizations provide scholarships specifically designed to increase diversity in aviation:
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) - Has provided nearly $5 million in scholarships to promote diversity in aviation careers
Latino Pilots Association (LPA) - Offers scholarships to help recipients further their careers in aviation-related fields
Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) - Awards substantial scholarships annually to members pursuing aviation careers
National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) - Has awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships to aspiring LGBTQ+ aviators and aerospace professionals
Industry-Specific Aviation Scholarships
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) - Awards scholarships for careers in aviation, aviation management, and maintenance
Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) - Offers multiple scholarship categories for students pursuing aviation careers
Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) - Provides scholarships for students pursuing avionics or aircraft maintenance careers
Veteran Funding at Safety In Motion Flight Center
As a professional Part 141 Flight School approved by both the FAA and VA, Safety In Motion Flight Center proudly supports various VA GI Bill® educational benefit programs. Our Chief Flight Instructor and many senior staff members are military veterans themselves, so we understand the importance of offering quality training to active, separated, and transitioning military veterans pursuing aviation careers.
We're knowledgeable about VA flight training benefits and how they work with your specific situation. Veterans enrolled in our programs can pay for their flight training out-of-pocket as they go, and we submit monthly certifications of expenses to the VA for reimbursement (up to the VA's annual cap limits).
College Partnerships for Additional Funding Options
Safety In Motion Flight Center has established collegiate partnerships that can provide additional funding pathways:
Green River College Aviation Program (Auburn, WA)
Getting Started with Funding Your Flight Training
Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the scholarship application process and explore all financial aid options available to you. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation (in-person, virtual, or by phone) to discuss your specific flight training goals and financial needs. CONTACT US to get started.
Our Unique Flight Training Cost Calculator
Safety In Motion Flight Center offers a custom Cost Calculator that helps you determine how much it will cost to complete your flight training based on your individual learning pace and frequency. This tool allows you to better plan your financial approach to flight training.