VA Benefits – Direct Connect Flight Academy

VA Benefit Highlights

Eligible Veterans receive approximately $15,000 each year for flight training
Private Pilot program not eligible for VA Benefits
Receive funding every academic year: August 1 - July 31st
Training Reimbursement approved for Chapters 30, 33, 1606 and 1607

How to Receive VA Benefit Approval

A number of steps are required for approval for use of VA Benefits with Direct Connect.

Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The VA’s application process first requires you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. This is required before you may begin flight training.

Obtain a Class I or II Medical Certificate

Ensuring you meet the FAA’s medical requirements is an important first step in flight training, but especially before using VA Benefits. We recommend scheduling your medical with Dr. Jerome Limoge in Colorado Springs, but you may also use the FAA website to locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Regardless of your AME, your first step will be submitting paperwork via the FAA’s MedXpress Program.

Apply to Direct Connect Flight Academy

If you haven’t already applied or received an approval, you can apply to Direct Connect Flight Academy’s program by filling out the interest form on our contact page and following the subsequent directions you’ll receive via email. Be sure to choose the “Discovery Flight to Airline Pilot Accelerated Program” or, if applicable, “I’ve already completed some training…” program options.

VA-Approved Courses with Direct Connect Flight Academy

Instrument Rating

Commercial Single-Engine Land

BreakTurn for Active Duty Service Members

Direct Connect Flight Academy’s partner, BreakTurn (formerly SkyBridge) offers the opportunity to receive full active-duty pay and benefits for up to six months while you train to become a commercial airline pilot. For more information on this SkillBridge program, please apply through BreakTurn’s website.