Please Note

• The application period is closed for the Round 3 – 2023 Aviation Workforce Development Grants for  Aircraft Pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers.

Overview

On May 16, 2024, the President signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S.1939 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress). In section 440 of the act, Congress reauthorized the FAA to continue the  Aviation Workforce Development Grant, established by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This program’s goal is to support the recruitment of aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators through education, outreach, recruitment, and military career transition. Congress approved the program through the end of fiscal year 2028.

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Objectives

The aviation workforce development grants for aircraft pilots support proposals which support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce.

Eligible Entities

Only the following types of entities are eligible to apply:

• An air carrier (as such term is defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code)
• An entity that holds management specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
• An accredited institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school
• A flight school that provides flight training, as such term is defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
• A labor organization representing professional aircraft pilots
• An aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code
• A State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity

Eligible Projects

Only projects that fall into one or more of the following categories will be eligible for award:

• To create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school or secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation education to become aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators, including purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator associated with such curriculum
• To establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft systems operator
• To create and deliver curriculum that provides certified flight instructors with the necessary instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better educate student pilots
• To support the transition to professional aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces
• To support robust outreach about careers in commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned system operator, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry
• To otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce

Funding

The FAA may award up to $1,000,000 (the ceiling established by legislation) for any one grant in any one fiscal year.

This grant program is competitive. The FAA reserves the right to award grants based on the quantity and quality of proposals received in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity. A list of grant recipients is available on this site for the three rounds of the program.

Questions

Those interested in direct scholarship opportunities are encouraged to visit the FAA Grants and Scholarships page.

If you have further questions, please email: AWD-Grants@faa.gov