Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/15/2005

Question

 Hi David,

  I am from Nigeria in Africa.All my life i have always wanted to be a  pilot,but as i grew up i discoverd my dream was a difficult task,because in Nigeria we have just one aviation school with no facilities and i have contacted so many aviation schools abroad and both of us know how expensive aviation training costs,and i cant afford it.I pleaded for financial aid but i was denied,cos am not a citizen and i dont have a co-signer abroad.
 please sir,i will love you to advice me no what to do,cos am despirate and determined to fly.

Thanks,i hope to get a positive reply from u soon.Thanks once more.

Answer
Hello Tunes:

I am sorry to have taken so long to respond to your inquiry.  It has been a busy time here to get ready for the Fall Semester of classes at the university where I work.

Yes, American students also find it very expensive to learn to fly and many of them have to take out loans, work, and apply for many competitive scholarships in order to be able to learn to fly.  I have the following contacts for you as far as aviation-related financial aid and scholarships.  Hopefully, there will be something there that will assist you:

1.  This website:  http://www.avscholars.com   This website has very good aviation-related financial aid and scholarship information.

2.  This website:  http://www.uaa.aero  This is the website of the University Aviation Association and they have a "Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing" that lists over $1.2 million (US) in aviation scholarships.  When you get to the main page of this website, scroll down toward the bottom and you will see "Aviation Scholarhips" and the Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing there on the left.  Click on it and review the listing.  If you are not able to consult the website, their address is:  University Aviation Association, 3410 Skyway Drive, Auburn, AL 36801 USA  The listing may be purchased for $25 US in either paper copy or on CDROM.

3.  The United Nations Development Programme sometimes gives aviation-related scholarships and grants.  They are at http://www.undp.org

4.  Also, check the International Civil Aeronautics Organization or ICAO at www.icao.int  They also have an office in Nigeria that might prove worthwhile in contacting.

Finally, many times the national government of Nigeria, from time to time, has financial support to send students abroad for study in certain areas.  Have you checked with the government about that possibility?

I wish you all the best,

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D, Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu/