Unlocking Aviation Dreams: A Guide to the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program and Beyond

The dream of taking to the skies, of commanding an aircraft, is a powerful one. However, the path to becoming a pilot can be financially challenging. Fortunately, various scholarships and programs exist to help aspiring aviators achieve their goals. This article focuses on the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program (WASP) and other flight scholarship opportunities available to men and women.

Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program (WASP): A Local Gateway to Flight

Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program (WASP) is a unique opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors in the Tidewater area. WASP offers a chance to earn a private pilot's license for free. Ryan Royal, a 2017 WASP graduate, describes the experience as an "exciting challenge learning how to operate and fly an aircraft all by yourself, being pushed to your limits."

The WASP Experience

The WASP program lasts 12 months. It includes 50 flight hours, providing a substantial foundation for aspiring pilots. Holly Archibald, a WASP graduate and high school senior, calls it "the best decision I’ve ever made," emphasizing the program's role in solidifying her career aspirations.

Addressing the Pilot Shortage

WASP was founded to address the growing need for pilots in the aviation industry. The program aims to alleviate the financial burden of flight training, which can be a significant barrier to entry. Heron Weidner, WASP president, notes that the program's goal is to "reduce that burden" of cost. WASP addresses the projected need for 252,000 new commercial pilots by 2032.

The Value of Donations

WASP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in Virginia in mid-2014. The program relies completely on donations and the volunteer efforts of retired military aviators, active commercial pilots, and recreational pilots. These volunteers offer local high school teens the highest level of expertise and instruction in aviation. WASP's purpose is to create career opportunities in aviation, help build and sustain local aviation, and support national programs designed to mitigate projected pilot shortages. The program pays for each student's training to become a pilot, with a price tag of $11,000. The level of instruction is unrivaled, from retired F-22 and F-16 pilots to current legacy airline pilots.

Application Information

Applications for WASP open annually, with training typically starting in July.

Flight Scholarships for Men & Women: Expanding Your Horizons

Beyond WASP, numerous flight scholarships are available to aspiring pilots. These scholarships cater to various demographics, skill levels, and career goals. Each scholarship has its own deadline and requirements, with many being geographically or affiliation restricted.

Pre-Solo Scholarships

Several flight training scholarships are available to applicants who have not yet begun flight training or who have not completed their first solo. These awards range from $1000 to $2500. A suggested minimum age is 16 years old. Since very few of these awards are available, applicants who can get to first solo on their own have a much better chance of being awarded a flight training scholarship to help complete their training.

Advanced/Post Solo Awards

Advanced scholarships are available to applicants who have completed their first solo flight (or have their certificate) OR can demonstrate an equivalent commitment for a maintenance or aviation-related training scholarship. These awards range from $2000 to $5000 and are given to students pursuing careers in aviation.

Memorial Scholarship Awards

Given in honor of Terry Hatcher, Alex Sheves, Peter York Wood, and others, these awards are given for flight or maintenance training as stand-alone awards or in conjunction with other awards in either pre or post solo categories. Scholarships range from $1000 to $5000.

Memorial ATP Pursual Award

Given in honor of Millie Jordan, as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other awards, a $1,000 award will be given to a candidate who has completed the commercial pilot certificate and pursuing the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) and a career in aviation.

Doolittle Tailwheel Scholarship Award

Tailwheel endorsement: Eight (8) hours of tailwheel instruction to be given in a J3 Cub or Luscombe 8E on availability at Downstown Airport, Vineland, NJ. The best time for training is between June-November and then March-June. The scholarship expires one year from the Award Dinner and must be completed within eight (8) weeks of commencement. Note: height and weight limitation of less than 6’4″ and 240lbs.

Chester County Airport Scholarships

Scholarships for flight and mechanic training at Chester County Aviation are available for both pre-solo and advanced students ranging from $2000 to $5000. Up to eight awards are made each year.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Able Flight Scholarships: Awarded to people with disabilities to enable them to fly as sport pilots or to help a pilot who has become disabled take to the skies again. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, hold a current Airman Certificate and medical, have logged 100TT (except for primary training awards), be at least 16 years of age and demonstrate a financial need.
Aero Club of New England Member Scholarship: $5,000
Anne Bridge Baddour Scholarship: $2,000
Bauer-Bisgeier Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
Andrew Channing Cabot Memorial Scholarship: $500
Bonita Connors Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
Dean S. Edmonds, Jr. MIT Scholarship: $1,000
John T. Griffin, Sr. Scholarship: $2,500
Lockhart Smith, Jr. Scholarship: Apps are due in March. Must reside in the Philadelphia, Greater Delaware Valley area.
Clay Lacy Professional Pilot Scholarship: Students who are attending a college, university or trade school in Southern California are eligible to apply. Awards are made based on academic prowess, financial need and passion for aviation. The awards are up to $1,000 each and are used to pay for tuition costs.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Scholarships: $2,500 grants to high school students who plan to pursue classroom studies in aviation or aerospace and $5,000 grants to students currently pursuing aviation studies at a college, university or accredited technical school
Air Safety Foundation Scholarship: Apps are due in July. shows exemplary dedication to legacy and advancement of airmanship skills, and demonstrates outstanding integrity as a leader and roll model in the aerospace community.
Alaska Airmen's Association Scholarship Fund: There are three scholarships available each year for up to $1,500 each and the Dale Carlson Memorial award which assists an Alaskan pilot to equip their aircraft with the Spidertracks satellite tracking system to enhance safety. Residency in Alaska and Private Pilot Certificate required. Apps are due by February 1.
Aviation Or Aerospace Scholarship: Candidates may be from any country. Applications are due by December 16th.
National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) Scholarship: Deadline in June.
Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) Scholarship: Applicants must have a Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, be a current or recently graduated (six months or less) college or university student who is working towards, or has earned, a degree in Aviation. The scholarship will be in the amount of $2,000. These funds may be used for, but not limited to, the following areas: flight training, educational tuition fees, and a new license or rating. A maximum of one AVTRIP Scholarship will be awarded for each calendar year.
Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship: The scholarship will be in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000 and $500. These funds may be used for, but not limited to, the following areas: flight training, educational tuition fees, and a new license. A maximum of three AVTRIP Pilot-in-Training Scholarships will be awarded for each calendar year. Due Sept 7th.
"Reds" Macfarlane Professional Pilot scholarship: Typically $1,000. Applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident & hold at least a student pilot certificate. Multiple winners may be selected if the funds are available.
Ninety-Nines, Inc: citizen to apply. Apps are due May 31st. Scholarships will provide financial assistance for flight training in increments of $500, to selected students striving to earn their Private Pilot and may be renewed subject to requirements. Each qualifying and accepted applicant may receive a maximum of $3,500 in matching funds. Applications are due November 30th.
Canadian Aviation Historical Society Scholarships: Applicants shall be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, between 15-21 years old with a demonstrated keen interest in general aviation in Canada. The principal award shall be the “ab-initio” which, funds permitting, will be a sufficient amount to pay the average cost of flight training in Canada to obtain a Private Pilot License.
The International Cessna 170 Association Scholarship: The scholarship is to be used for obtaining a private pilot license through the Cayman Flying Club (CFC) and an agreed upon flight school in Florida working with the CFC. The applicant must be accepted at an educational institution and enrolled in an aviation related program. The applicant does not have to be a member of The International Cessna 170 Association. The applicant can be a part time or full-time student. Apps are due by May 1st. App and instructions (must register for free to access).
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Scholarships: citizens and be enrolled/attending school regularly, or already have a high school diploma or GED. The award will be sent directly to recipient’s choice of educational institution (i.e., community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.)
Clay Lacy Aviation Scholarship: Funded by Clay Lacy and administered by the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center to encourage students to pursue careers in aviation. citizen residing in Southern CA and be enrolled or plan to be enrolled for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four-year college, university, technical school, etc.) with a formal aviation curriculum leading to a certificate, license, or degree in aviation. Apps are due in May.
Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Scholarship: One or more awards annually to who have strong interests in pursuing aviation related careers and are enrolled in an aerospace or aviation related program at any accredited college or university in Colorado. Open to Colorado residents 16-25 years old at the time of application. Applicants younger than 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. If candidates are in school, they must have a GPA of 3.0+.
Fly a Great Plane Scholarship: The scholarship is intended for applicants with little to no experience in aviation. The deadline for a completed application is March 31, 2018, and the recipient will undergo flight training in the summer of 2018. Successful applicants will receive ground and flight training necessary to achieve a solo flight in a general aviation fixed wing aircraft.
Richard R. Lee Flight Scholarship: citizen and fluent in English. Applicants that have had a Young Eagles flight will be given preference.
The Richard Ranalletta Flight Training Scholarship: Must be 16 to 35 years of age, have soloed and live within a specified distance of the Cumberland, WI Airport.
Vermont Flight Academy Scholarship: Must be a Vermont resident.
East Central Ohio Pilots Association Flight Training Scholarship: Awards are “ab-initio” which, funds permitting shall be of a sufficient amount to cover the average cost of 10 hours of flight training in the East Central Ohio Region.
Greater Cincinnati Ninety-Nines Scholarship: Citizens, at least age 16, with the ability to obtain a FAA medical and Student Pilot certificate. Apps due in March. 31st
Tailwheel endorsement Scholarship: - $1,700 award, app deadline: March 31st
Upset recovery/ Spin Training and Introduction to Aerobatics Scholarship: - $3,800 award.
Flying Particles Aviation Scholarship: As part of this effort, the FPA has set up an aviation scholarship fund for the purpose of helping to offset the financial expenses of an aviation-related education. The scholarship award will be for 1 scholarship with a value of $1,000, although the actual number of awards and the amount are subject to change. Applicant must live in the New England area. Scholarship winners are awarded 50 hours of flying in a Cessna 172 as well as a free year membership to Flying Particles flying club.
The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc: Must be current with an instrument rating, possess a 1st or 2nd class medical and have <1,500 TT. To be used for a new rating (such as multi engine or seaplane), advanced endorsement (tailwheel or high performance) or checkout in a new type of aircraft
Airline Training Orientation Course scholarship: One (1) Airline Training Orientation Course scholarship (valued at $495)Airline Training Orientation Program (ATOP) was developed for pilots to get an orientation to flying for the airlines. The 2-day course consists of a comprehensive tour of the pilot training center, 10 Hours of "Basic Indoc" Ground School, 2 Hours in the "Cockpit Management Trainer", and 4 hours in the full motion (Level D) flight simulator.Applicant must be a current commercial pilot with an instrument rating, possess a 1st or 2nd class medical and have <1,500 TT Apps are due in August.
National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Education Fund: Applicants must be second-year students or above with a minimum 2.75 GPA pursuing studies in the field of professional pilot with an emphasis in General Aviation, Aviation Management, or Aviation Safety. A valid pilot's certificate (not to include a Student Certificate) is required. A letter of recommendation from a professional in the aviation field is required.
Michigan Takes Flight (MTF): Both were established under a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity named Michigan Takes Flight. The Association’s Board of Directors created Michigan Takes Flight (MTF) for the express purpose of promoting the expansion of, interest in, and understanding of private flying and aviation in the greater Flint area. With a goal of offering two annual scholarships to flight training students. If you are a young man or young lady with a desire to learn how to fly, why not check out the possibilities. The Greater Flint Pilots Association is located at Bishop International Airport (KFNT) in Flint, Michigan.
Hal Botsford "Gift of Wings" Scholarship: $1,000 award. This annual fund will award a student grant(s) to be used for a sky ride(s), a student's flight lessons, or the pursuit of a new rating. Apps are due August 1st.
International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Aerobatic Training Scholarship: This scholarship aims to promote aviation safety through unusual attitude and aerobatic training. The applicant must be a member of IAC and hold a private pilot certificate. Scholarship value: $3100. Deadline June 30th. CP Aviation is a family-owned business located in Santa Paula, California.
IAC Flight Instructor Scholarship: Qualifications: The recipient must be a member of International Aerobatic Club and hold a private pilot certificate. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote aviation safety through aerobatics training. The recipient will receive a cash payment of $2,000. Qualifications: It is preferred the applicant be a certified flight instructor (CFI) or be receiving flight instruction with the intention of becoming a CFI but it is not mandatory. The applicant can be attending College or other post-secondary school or have recently completed college. Deadline December 31.
IAC Aerobatic Instructor Scholarship: This scholarship aims to promote and improve the aerobatic instruction field. The applicant must be a current CFI, with some tangible experience in Aerobatics. Deadline June 30.
Hillard Scholarship: Scholarship value $2,000. A grant to begin or continue flight training and is open to those between the ages of 18 and 30. The recipient must be a young man or woman between the ages of 18 and 30, and the scholarship monies must be used to begin or continue flight training.
Lovelace-Drake Scholarship: The recipient of the Lovelace-Drake scholarship will receive the Basic Aerobatic course from Grayout Aerosports, LLC. The eligibility requirements for this scholarship are: Applicant must hold a Private Pilot Certificate or international equivalent. Applicant must be at least sixteen years of age. Applicant must indicate how he or she will, in turn, make a contribution of service back to the aviation community. (Examples: Participation in aviation related programs like Young Eagles, 99s, or Civil Air Patrol; volunteering at aviation events. The recipient must be male or female between the ages of 17 and 31, wishing to pursue aerobatic flight training or an A&P license. Applicants for an aerobatic training track must have already earned at least private pilot certification. Due in July.
National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) Scholarship Fund: The scholarship is open to all NAAA members and the children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, or spouse of any NAAA operator, pilot member, retired operator or pilot who maintains an active membership with the NAAA as well as allied industry members and the children, grandchildren, sons in-law, daughters-in-law or spouse of an allied industry member. Must be a H.S. g…

Charting Your Course: Aviation Career Paths, Schools, and Resources

The aviation industry offers a wide range of career paths, from piloting to maintenance and management. Several resources are available to help aspiring aviators explore these options and find the right educational path.

Career Paths

Pilot: Commercial Pilots earn an average of $148,900 per year, and about 18,100 openings for commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians: earn an average of $70,7400 per year, and about 13,100 openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Virginia Aviation Programs

Several colleges and universities in Virginia offer aviation programs:

Averett University (Danville, VA): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management with concentrations in Aviation Business or Flight Operations. It is an FAA Certified Part 141 Flight School. Pilot program with ~120 credit hours~$90,000
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Manassas & Norfolk, VA): Offers Associate's Degrees in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Aviation Maintenance Technician program with ~78-100 credit hours~$31,840-$59,595
Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, VA): Offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree, Airframe Maintenance Certificate, Powerplant Maintenance Certificate, Light Sport Aircraft Mechanic Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Pilot. Aviation Maintenance Technician, Pilot program with ~40 credit hours~$7,000-$8,000
Hampton University (Hampton, VA): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with concentrations in Air Traffic Control and Airport Administration, as well as an Aviation Minor. Pilot program with ~120 hours~$43,000
Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA): Offers Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification, A.A. in Aviation Maintenance Technology, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance: Management, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance: Unmanned Aerial Systems, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Management (online degree), B.S. in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance. Aviation Maintenance Technician, Pilot program with ~45-125 credit hours~$30,000
University of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC): Offers an Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification and an Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate’s Degree. Aviation Maintenance Technician program with ~48-78 credit hours~$36,000-$58,500

Airport Flight Schools

Pilot training is available on-site at most airports, either through an FAA-certificated (approved) pilot school (FAR Part 141) or through other training providers (FAR Part 61). An approved school may be able to provide a greater variety of training aids, dedicated facilities, and more flexibility in scheduling. Some colleges and universities also provide pilot training as a part of their curricula.Enrollment in an FAA-approved pilot school usually ensures a high quality of training. Approved schools must meet prescribed standards for equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula. However, individual flight instructors and training companies that are not certificated by the FAA as “pilot schools” may also offer high-quality training, but find it impractical to qualify for FAA certification. Another difference between training provided by FAA-approved pilot schools and other providers is that fewer flight hours are required to be eligible for a pilot certificate when the training is received through an approved school. The flight hour requirement for a private pilot certificate is normally 40 hours but may be reduced to 35 hours when training with an approved school. However, since most people require 60 to 75 hours of training, this difference may be insignificant.The Virginia Department of Aviation maintains a list of accredited Virginia flight schools. You can also use the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Flight School Finder to search for Virginia Flight Schools and learn more about what each school has to offer.There are 30 locations at regional airports across the Commonwealth where you can obtain a Private Pilots License, costing ~$8,000-$15,000 and taking several months to 1 year. Advanced ratings and certificates take additional time and tuition at flight schools or college/university aviation programs.

Virginia-Specific Scholarships

Charles J. Colgan Aviation & Aerospace Scholarship: An annual scholarship of $2,000 is awarded to a Virginia resident High School, Technical School Senior or College/University Undergraduate who is pursuing an aviation-related career at an accredited institution located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Willard G. Plentl Sr. Aviation Scholarship: A scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to a Virginia High School senior who is planning an aviation career in a non-engineering area.
John R. Lillard VAOC Scholarship: Awarded to a Virginia high school senior having at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA, are planning a career in the field of aviation, and must be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college.
Kenneth R. Scott VAOC Scholarship: Awarded to a Virginia high school senior having at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA, are planning a career in the field of aviation, and must be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college.
Chad Weaver Aviation Scholarship: Offers residents $800 to complete ground school, take flight lessons, or do both! Scholarships are available to those seeking their private pilot’s license or their certified flight instructor’s endorsement at any Virginia flight school.

Additional Resources

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
National Business Aviation Association
Regional Airline Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
Air Traffic Control Association
National Aviation Explorer
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
Gay Pilots Association
Leroy W. Homer Jr.
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP): The Virginia Space Grant Consortium manages two national higher education programs for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). ACRP is an industry-driven, applied research program that develops near-term, practical solutions to airport challenges. colleges and universities to consider innovative approaches related to airport issues. Students can win cash prizes for their winning innovative design solutions. First-place winners present their work at a national award ceremony and at a relevant national conference. Full details are provided in the Competition guidelines. The Graduate Research Award program funds applied research undertaken by graduate students on airport and related aviation system issues. Awardees receive a $12,000 stipend, access to a panel of expert advisors in the chosen research area, an opportunity to present at the TRB Annual Meeting following the completion of their research paper, and the potential to publish that paper in the Transportation Research Record.

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