What Financial Help Can I Get as an Adult Learning to Fly?

While the financial assistance in place for young adults is somewhat clearer—in terms of student loans and other scholarships and stipends—it is a little murkier for those of us who

Julie Boatman

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 02:59 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

The financial options for working adults to get help with flight training is a little bit murkier. [File photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Adults looking to change careers to aviation can find financial assistance and flexible programs through community colleges, which often offer aviation programs, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Various aviation associations, such as Women in Aviation International (WAI) and AOPA, along with local service organizations, provide scholarships and grants, many of which are suitable for career changers regardless of gender.
Adult learners can leverage personal financial assets like home equity or good credit scores to secure loans for flight training expenses.
Joining a flying club can help reduce the cost of flight training and provide valuable peer support throughout the certification process.

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Q: Are there incentive grants or financial assistance programs for pilot training geared toward adults looking at career change? I am asking for my son, who is a working adult but would have to continue working while training.

A: Congratulations to your son for considering a change to pursue aviation as a career! While the financial assistance in place for young adults is somewhat clearer—in terms of student loans and other scholarships and stipends—it is a little murkier for those of us who are looking at a new role in our 30s, 40s, and beyond.

However, we have several ideas for your son to investigate.