FAA Offers Funding For Pilot, Maintenance Tech Programs

The FAA has opened applications for a pair of grant programs designed to generate interest and prepare students to step into careers in aviation. Together, the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development…

The FAA has opened applications for a pair of grant programs designed to generate interest and prepare students to step into careers in aviation. Together, the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund programs that educate pilots, aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drone) operators and aviation maintenance technicians. Grant amounts from $25,000 to $500,000 per fiscal year are available.

“The FAA is investing in the future aviation workforce,” the agency said. “We are providing grants to academia and the aviation community to help prepare a more inclusive talent pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, to inspire and recruit the next generation of aviation professionals.”

According to the FAA, it awarded $10 million in aviation workforce development grants to more than 20 schools and organizations last year. The grant programs are currently authorized through the end of fiscal year 2023. Grant applications are open to eligible organizations until Aug. 16, 2023, via www.grants.gov.

Kate O’Connor works as AVweb's Editor-in-Chief. She is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.