Able Flight Foundation
A Full Ride Opportunity for the Next Generation of Pilots
The ABLE Flight Foundation provides one student each year with a full scholarship that covers the complete cost of earning a private pilot license. This support includes training, books, supplies, examiner fees, and more. Our goal is to remove the financial barrier that keeps many promising students from taking their first step toward aviation.
About Able Flight Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship began as a personal mission shaped by family ties to aviation and early time spent around flight. After earning his basic certification in 2021 and moving to Louisville, the founder felt a strong pull to help others each time he watched aircraft pass over his office windows. Today, the program provides a $25,000 scholarship to one student each year, with any remaining funds supporting a second applicant.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be at least 17 years old or close to turning 17
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English without difficulty
- Must hold a valid government issued photo ID
- Must qualify for a Class III Medical certificate, with a Class I exam encouraged
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered the most common questions about the ABLE Flight Scholarship. From eligibility requirements to the application process and training details, this section will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
What is the average time to complete a course of private training?
The national average to completion from brand new students is approximately 75 hours of flight time, in addition to a variety of ground-based instruction and studying.
When are applications accepted?
100 applications will be accepted. Applications are open for submission solely via our website application page from March 1st through April 30th of each year.
Is there an application fee?
No. If you consider yourself eligible, please complete the questionnaire for review. If you are selected to proceed onto the next steps, you will be contacted with more information!
What type of aircraft will be used for training?
Louisville Aviation holds a variety of aircraft, 18 separate aircraft in total, predominantly Cessna 172 Skyhawks, which will exclusively be used for training. Within the C-172 model, a further variety of sub-models exist. Awardees within the ABLE Flight Foundation will be exposed to a variety of sub-models which include standard gauges to high-tech computer screens prior to developing their preference and becoming more familiar with an aircraft in particular.
If I am selected as the awardee for the ABLE scholarship, how often will we fly?
Each student pilot makes their own schedule alongside their instructor. However, the most optimal course of training has been seen to prevail with 3 to 4 instructional lessons per week, combining lecture-based classroom sessions and flight appointments.
If I am selected as the awardee for the ABLE scholarship, what happens after I finish?
While the ABLE Flight Foundation would love to further the education and experience of all pilots, the scope of opportunity within the Foundation terminates upon graduation. For those who are successful in earning their Private Pilot certification, a variety of commercial financial aid providers are available for review. Should a pilot wish to continue exercising their privileges and all other requirements are met, the average aircraft rental cost is approximately $200.00 per hour of engine run time.
What items are required as a student pilot?
Aside from a valid government-issued photo identification and certified medical exam, all items will be provided to the scholarship awardee. These items include an iPad mini with ForeFlight subscription, a Cessna Training Academy kit which includes a flight bag, log book, sectional chart, E6-B flight computer, and online-based ground school. Additionally, scholarship awardees will be provided with flight insurance throughout the duration of their tutelage, along with a borrowed headset and view-limiting device to aide in training provided.
Can we fly at night?
Night flight is permitted, though most lessons ought to be in the daytime. Part of the curriculum of a student pilot is conducting a variety of operations after dark, in addition to various night-flying requirements to be met.
Where can I find more information regarding the details of the scholarship?
Please view the PDF attached at the end of this page for a full list of terms and conditions which apply to the single awardee of the Scholarship.
How would weather affect our flight?
For most, if not all flight operations, a solid layer of clouds below 3,000 feet above ground level is cause to cancel a flight. Heavy winds, rain, and low visibility are also significant factors to consider.
Is there a uniform involved?
Louisville Aviation and/or the ABLE Flight Foundation do not require a uniform, though request that closed-toe shoes be worn. Please show up to your lessons in comfortable yet presentable attire.
Who will be my instructor?
Tim Brooks, the founder of the ABLE Flight Foundation, instructs the single awardee of the Scholarship. In Tim’s absence or unavailability, other members of the Board will serve as the student’s instructor.
Who should I direct my concerns to if necessary?
Please submit all base-level inquiries on our contact page. Throughout an individual’s course of training, a student should direct questions or concerns to their instructor. Following this, alternative methods of discussion of grievances may be discussed with other members of the Board of the ABLE Flight Foundation and/or Louisville Aviation administration, as necessary.
Ready to Begin Your Journey
If you meet the eligibility guidelines and feel called to pursue aviation, we invite you to submit your application. This scholarship exists to support students who show dedication, maturity, and a clear desire to complete their training.