Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/29/2004

Question
here in nigeria me and my friends are cash strapped but the dream of becoming proffessional pilots burn inside us cos of funding others have been forced into other fields.

is there a loan programme for africans,cos i know there are others in other parts of africa like me

please my friends and i source for scholarships
and loans

wale
lagos nigeria  

Answer
Dear Olawale:

It is nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

As far as I am aware, the key sources of funding for those who leave Africa and learn to fly elsewhere are:

1.  The ICAO (International Civil Aeronautical Organization), whose website is www.icao.int

2.  Your home nation....they many times will have funds available to train people who want to enter such career fields as aviation.  Check with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority at Telephone # 234-1-616-697 or the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (air traffic control oriented)....their link is on the ICAO website above.

3. The training organization or university that you attend may have some financing or scholarships available.  Check with those institutions as you gather information to apply for information.  See the ICAO for a list of training organizations that accept international students and also you might want to contact the University Aviation Association at uaa@auburn.edu to order their two publications:  COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE and COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING.  The guide will give a complete list of US and North American aviation-oriented colleges and universities.   The listing has some ideas for obtaining aviation scholarships or loans.

4.  Check this webiste:  www.avscholars.com for information pertaining to aviation financial aid and scholarships.

5.  Your family is a key source of funds also....whether it is just a little funding or a lot.  I know my Mom and Dad both helped me all that they could....and, I found funding via working while in school, loans and scholarships.  

I wish you the best in your efforts to obtain funding!

Sincerely,

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