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

Verified

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 pilot training can find financial assistance through community college aviation programs, which often offer flexible schedules and their own scholarships or work-study options.
Various aviation associations, such as Women in Aviation International (WAI) and AOPA, provide scholarships and grants specifically for aspiring pilots, including those making a career change.
Adult learners can leverage personal resources like good credit for collateralized loans (e.g., home equity) or reduce costs by joining flying clubs, which can offer lower training expenses and peer support.

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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.