Able Flight Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Able Flight

Primarily, applicants should be committed to the belief that they can transform their lives through learning to fly or pursuing a career in aviation. Able Flight welcomes applications for scholarships from individuals with a range of physical disabilities.

Flight training is a rigorous process, involving extensive ground school study and numerous hours in the air. This program is not designed for those seeking a "weekend thrill" but rather for individuals who are prepared to put in the effort and dedication required to earn the right to become a pilot. The training is intentionally challenging and demanding, as our goal is to produce pilots who are not only safe but also proficient. Therefore, our training exceeds the minimum standards set by the FAA.

Applicants for all scholarships must fill out the relevant application form, which includes an essay on how they believe the scholarship would transform their lives. After an initial review, finalists for Full, Return to Flight, or Career Training Scholarships will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted remotely or close to their home. Able Flight will then choose and inform the scholarship winners.

FULL FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP:

The Full Flight Training Scholarship from Able Flight is intended for individuals who aspire to obtain a Sport Pilot certificate. It covers ground and flight training, testing, travel, and accommodation expenses as necessary. Full scholarship applicants must be able to commit to a continuous six-to-eight week training period.

Training usually takes place from mid-May to early July. Students are required to stay at the training facility for the entire duration of the training period without any exceptions. Please only apply if you can adhere to this schedule. Applicants for the Return To Flight scholarship must be available for a one-to-two week training period.

An FAA medical exam is not a prerequisite for Sport Pilot. However, if you have previously been denied an FAA medical exam, or if your approval has been deferred by the FAA, your scholarship application will not proceed to the final review stage until your medical has been approved by the FAA.

Upon selection, winners of the Able Flight Full Flight Training Scholarship will receive a comprehensive online Sport Pilot knowledge course (ground school) to complete at home before flight training. During the intensive flight training course, students will learn to operate a Light Sport Airplane in accordance with the FAA’s Sport Pilot requirements. This demanding training program typically includes 40 flight hours in addition to the thorough ground school study, and will equip the student to fly under Sport Pilot Rules. Students who successfully fulfill all ground and flight training requirements and pass both the written and flight exams will be awarded a Sport Pilot certificate.

Applicants must be able to provide a disability certificate from their treating physician, be at least 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, hold a valid driver’s license, and be capable of operating the controls of the training aircraft. Special controls will be provided as necessary. Scholarship applications are accepted year-round and reviewed continuously. Training usually occurs from mid-May to early July each year.

RETURN TO FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP:

This scholarship is for individuals who have become disabled after obtaining a pilot’s license and now wish to resume flying under the Sport Pilot Rule.

CAREER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP:

The scholarship committee may decide to use the career training scholarship to cover academic expenses at Southern Illinois University (SIU) while training for an aviation career. Please note that the career training application form will soon be updated to specify that career scholarships are exclusively for training at SIU.