FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Federal Aviation Administration is offering the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program to expand the aviation workforce by attracting future aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems operators. Projects may support aviation education programs, scholarships or apprenticeships, flight instructor curricula, and efforts that help move military personnel into civilian aviation careers. The program is open to air carriers, educational institutions, flight schools, labor organizations, aviation-related nonprofits, and governmental entities, with evaluation focused on the project plan, applicant resources, project impact, and administration; projects run for 24 months and must meet a minimum score of 71 points for consideration. Applications are due June 22, 2026, and the program anticipates about $13 million across roughly 13 awards, with up to $1 million per award, and applicants must have SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier.
Eligible Applicants
a. Air carrier as defined in Section 40102 of Title 49, U.S. Code; b. Entity that holds management specifications under Subpart K of Part 91 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; c. Accredited institution of higher education (20 U.S.C. § 1001), a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school (20 U.S.C. § 7801); d. Flight school that provides flight training defined in Part 61 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under Part 141 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; e. Labor organization representing professional aircraft pilots; f. Aviation-related nonprofit organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of such code; or g. State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity. h. Individuals are ineligible to apply under this NOFO.