Pay for Your Training

Financing and scholarships

Flight training is a real investment. Here's a complete map of the loan partners and scholarships pilots use to make it possible — plus our VA benefits guide for veterans.

Loan Partners

Aviation-specific lenders

Both partners specialize in flight training and understand aviation timelines.

Stratus Financial

Hassle-free flight school loan program designed specifically for aspiring pilots. Stratus understands the aviation industry and the timeline of professional flight training.

Apply with Stratus Financial →

AOPA Finance

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association — the largest general aviation organization — offers training financing alongside its broader aviation member resources.

Apply with AOPA Finance →
Veteran? You may qualify for VA benefits.
DCFA accepts Chapters 30, 33, 1606, and 1607. See the VA benefits guide →
Education Savings

529 plans

A 529 education savings plan can sometimes be applied toward flight training when it's used at an eligible institution. If you have a 529, reach out and we'll help you and your plan administrator confirm whether your program qualifies under your state's rules.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships worth applying for

A non-exhaustive list of scholarship programs commonly used by student pilots. Application requirements and deadlines vary — check each organization's site for current details.

CP

Colorado Pilots Association

Award
Varies
Eligibility: All pilots
Focus on safe flying in the Rocky Mountains. Includes the Walt & Terry Barbo (Private Pilot) and Emily Howell Warner (advanced ratings) scholarships.
Visit Colorado Pilots Association →
EE

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)

Award
Varies
Eligibility: Age 16+; various — check local chapter
Includes the Ray Aviation Scholarship. Applications typically open October 1 and close in December.
Visit EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) →
NN

NATA Navigate Your Future

Award
$2,500
Eligibility: High school seniors accepted into an accredited aviation program
Annual; deadline is the last Friday in June.
Visit NATA Navigate Your Future →
N

NBAA

Award
$1,000 – $8,000
Eligibility: Student pilots and working aviation professionals
Roughly $100,000 awarded annually across 20+ scholarships. Most student deadlines are June 15.
Visit NBAA →
TN

The Ninety-Nines

Award
Up to $20,000
Eligibility: Women pilots
Founded by Amelia Earhart. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund supports both initial and advanced ratings.
Visit The Ninety-Nines →
TA

Tuskegee Airmen — Hubert L. Jones Chapter

Award
Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Accredited Colorado high school seniors with a 3.0+ GPA
Denver-based chapter serving all of Colorado, so Colorado Springs students qualify. A national-level scholarship is also available.
Visit Tuskegee Airmen — Hubert L. Jones Chapter →
WI

Women in Aviation International

Award
Varies
Eligibility: WAI members only
50+ scholarships annually across flight training, engineering, maintenance, and dispatch. Membership required.
Visit Women in Aviation International →

Have questions about paying for training?

We can walk you through which financing or scholarship paths fit your situation. No commitment.