Expert: D. Norkus - 12/12/2006

Question
Hello Dottie,   I am currently enrolled in an aviation/airway sciences program in WA.  I will be starting my flight labs in the spring of 2007.  However my financial aid was very little because I worked full time as a card dealer last year, but I am working sparingly now so I can pursue my career as soon as possible.  I don't know where to begin looking for scholarships and/or grants.  I have browsed the internet but nothing seems to be serious enough!  I am desperate and afraid that I will not have the means to continue my dream of being a pilot without getting into serious debt with loans.  So any promising links or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time.  

Answer
Jessica

It is very hard to find awards that pay for any substantial amount of your flight training. However, as a woman, you will find many possible grants & scholarships available to you for flight training via the Intenational Organization of Women Pilots, aka The "Ninety-Nines". While most are one time awards for $500-1,000, they do sometimes have awards that pay for an entire certificate or rating. They have a Prvate Pilot Scholarship as well as the Amelia Earhart Grant (one qualifies after 12 months membership in the 99s. Apps are due annually each Dec, so join the "99s" ASAP to start your year of membership or you will have to wait an additional year!) I won three scholarships totaling $2,500 during my training and have not yet applied for the AE grant (I am planning to in the future for a 737 type rating).

Check out my listing of flight scholarships on my page- http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/page2.html

Additionally, see the Ninety-Nines website at http://www.ninety-nines.org

Another organization that may be helpful is Women In Aviation, http://www.wai.org

It is linked on my site as well, but be sure to also check out http://www.avscholars.com

Good Luck

Dottie