It’s no surprise that helicopter flight training requires a significant investment. If you get your finances in order before you begin training, you’ll be able to complete your courses faster, without interruption to your training schedule. For the sake of efficient learning, we highly recommend doing everything you can to ensure a steady schedule of training.
There are many aviation funding options available to students. This is a list of loans and scholarships our students have used, and we recommend them to help you meet your goals:
AOPA
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association offers a flex loan for aviation students. It can be utilized towards any rating, and has a borrowing max of $100K. You will need to become a member of AOPA and fill out the application online. This loan is based entirely on your credit and if necessary you can utilize a co-signer.
AOPA also offers several generous scholarships annually. For eligibility requirements, check out their scholarship program.
Whirly Girls
A fantastic non-profit for women helicopter pilots. Their support is exemplary and they offer several scholarships. Their mission is to provide women with positive role models and a network to connect to other female pilots internationally. For you guys out there, still check out their site as they have some excellent resources listed.
VA Benefits
As a VA-approved flight school, we are able to accept the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, MGIB, and Chapters 1606 and 107 benefits for those eligible veterans and their dependents. At this point in time, students are responsible for their initial training to get either a Private Pilot Certificate or Private Add-on, and the VA benefits apply to higher level courses. Check out our VA Students section to see what parts of the program are covered.
(GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)
AASF
Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization created to improve aviation safety in Alaska. AASF awards several scholarships with donated funds to deserving aviators who hold their Private License and are currently enrolled in an aviation program.
Alaska Airmen’s Association
Their mission is to “promote aviation, enhance safety and support initiatives that benefit pilots and our growing aviation community. Whether you’re a veteran pilot or just discovered a passion for aviation, the Alaska Airmen welcome new members who share the wonders of flight on the Last Frontier!”
As one of the largest General Aviation state memberships in the country, the Alaska Airmen has more licensed pilots than any other state with 2,200 members. They offer 8 memorial scholarships each year.
As with any financial commitment, please make sure that you do your homework. It is your responsibility to be able to make an informed decision. We are upfront with all of our costs so that you are prepared and confident in choosing your financing method.
