Obtaining a private or commercial helicopter license requires very specialized training which can be somewhat costly. For some, the costs of training can serve as a hindrance to the goal of flying, but fortunately there are avenues to explore to receive financial aid for your training.
There are many organizations that sponsor financial aid to qualified flight school candidates and help them with the expenses of helicopter flight school. Below are sources to seek out sponsorship, scholarships or grants:
- local aviation societies in your town
- local Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
- national certified aviation societies such as The University Aviation Association (UAA) and The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
- local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America (one of the merit badges is Aviation and successful alumni who have started aviation careers may sponsor aspiring pilots)
- The Helicopter Foundation International
- United States Air Force via The Air Force Aid Society
- Whirly Girls International (provides grant funding to female students)
- The Women in Aviation International (provides grant funding to female students)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FESOG)
- Pell Grants
You can also check here for a list of aviation scholarship opportunities.
It may take diligence and patience to identify and apply for financial aid for your helicopter funding, but it is worth it. Be sure to speak with your flight school about options provided through the school. Additionally, you can save money by replacing in-person ground instruction with a home-study course and only paying the schools for the actual flight instruction.
Photo credit: dyobmit
Related posts:
Flight Training, Flight Training Costs
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