Pay for Your Training

Financing and scholarships

Flight training is a real investment. Here's a complete map of the loan partners and scholarships pilots use to make it possible — plus our VA benefits guide for veterans.

Aviation-specific lenders

Both partners specialize in flight training and understand aviation timelines.

Stratus Financial

Hassle-free flight school loan program designed specifically for aspiring pilots. Stratus understands the aviation industry and the timeline of professional flight training.

Apply with Stratus Financial

AOPA Finance

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association — the largest general aviation organization — offers training financing alongside its broader aviation member resources.

Apply with AOPA Finance
Veteran? You may qualify for VA benefits.
DCFA accepts Chapters 30, 33, 1606, and 1607. See the VA benefits guide
Education Savings

529 plans

A 529 education savings plan can sometimes be applied toward flight training when it's used at an eligible institution. If you have a 529, reach out and we'll help you and your plan administrator confirm whether your program qualifies under your state's rules.

Scholarships worth applying for

A non-exhaustive list of scholarship programs commonly used by student pilots. Application requirements and deadlines vary — check each organization's site for current details.

CP

Colorado Pilots Association

Award
Varies
Eligibility: All pilots
Focus on safe flying in the Rocky Mountains. Includes the Walt & Terry Barbo (Private Pilot) and Emily Howell Warner (advanced ratings) scholarships.
Visit Colorado Pilots Association
EE

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)

Award
Varies
Eligibility: Age 16+; various — check local chapter
Includes the Ray Aviation Scholarship. Applications typically open October 1 and close in December.
Visit EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)
NN

NATA Navigate Your Future

Award
$2,500
Eligibility: High school seniors accepted into an accredited aviation program
Annual; deadline is the last Friday in June.
Visit NATA Navigate Your Future
N

NBAA

Award
$1,000 – $8,000
Eligibility: Student pilots and working aviation professionals
Roughly $100,000 awarded annually across 20+ scholarships. Most student deadlines are June 15.
Visit NBAA
TN

The Ninety-Nines

Award
Up to $20,000
Eligibility: Women pilots
Founded by Amelia Earhart. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund supports both initial and advanced ratings.
Visit The Ninety-Nines
TA

Tuskegee Airmen — Hubert L. Jones Chapter

Award
Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Accredited Colorado high school seniors with a 3.0+ GPA
Denver-based chapter serving all of Colorado, so Colorado Springs students qualify. A national-level scholarship is also available.
Visit Tuskegee Airmen — Hubert L. Jones Chapter
WI

Women in Aviation International

Award
Varies
Eligibility: WAI members only
50+ scholarships annually across flight training, engineering, maintenance, and dispatch. Membership required.
Visit Women in Aviation International

Have questions about paying for training?

We can walk you through which financing or scholarship paths fit your situation. No commitment.