Understand the Requirements to Become a Scholarship Recipient
The ABLE Flight Foundation wants applicants to fully understand what is required to earn a private pilot license. Before applying, review the FAA regulations and medical standards, and consider each factor as it relates to your own readiness and life situation.
FAA and Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To earn a private pilot certificate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set specific regulations that applicants must meet. Scholarship applicants should review these requirements carefully:
Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Those close to 17 may still be considered (14 CFR 61.103(a)).
Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English without difficulty (14 CFR 61.103(c)).
All applicants must have a valid government-issued photo ID (14 CFR 61.3(a)(2)).
Prior to flying solo, applicants must earn and receive a Class III Medical certificate. The ABLE Flight Foundation recommends a Class I exam to address any underlying concerns (14 CFR 61.24(a)).
Certain medical conditions may disqualify applicants. Please review disqualifying conditions carefully (FAA Medical Disqualifications) and watch this video for more information for more information.
For a complete view of FAA eligibility regulations, refer to 14 CFR 61.103 and 14 CFR 61.3.
Scholarship Considerations
In addition to FAA requirements, the scholarship reviews applicants on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include:
- Total Family Income taken into consideration
- Mental health history and prior substance use
- Clean criminal record
- Demonstrated dedication and maturity
- Must maintain or have graduated high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher
These factors help ensure applicants are prepared for the responsibilities of flight training and scholarship support.
Scholarship Considerations
Applying for the scholarship is easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Complete the online application form.
- Await review and selection notification.
- Participate in an interview to discuss goals and readiness.
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.