Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program

CFDA 20.111 Active Cooperative Agreement

Open Opportunities (1)

Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$5M FY2026
$5M
FY24
$4.5M
FY25
$5M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 20.111 (USAspending.gov).

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 FAA awarded 5 continuation grants.

Program Objective

The goal of the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Program is to support the creation and delivery of curriculum designed to provide high school students with aircraft pilot education in accordance with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • School District
  • Local
  • State
  • Territorial
  • Tribal
  • Nonprofit Organization

(1) Accredited Higher Education Institution (20 U.S.C. 1001), Secondary school or high school (20 U.S.C. 7801)

(2) State or local government entity

(3) Air Carriers (sec. 40102, title 49) or labor unions representing aircraft pilots

(4) Flight School that provides flight training (part 61, title 14) or holds a pilot school certificate (part, 141, title 14)
or
(5) An organization representing aircraft users, aircraft owners, or aircraft pilots.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

The FAA will forward a list of potential grant recipients to the Office of Secretary of the Department of Transportation for final selection.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 90 to 120 days
  • Appeal: From 15 to 30 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The program has the potential to be a solution to the pilot shortage by reaching a diverse new audience and encouraging our nation’s youth to become the next generation of commercial, general aviation, drone or military pilots.

Mission Categories

Primary: Air Transportation

Other categories:
STEM EducationWork EducationTeacher Education

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

In general, assistance under this program may be used for projects that:

(1) Create and deliver curriculum designed to provide high school students with meaningful aviation education that is designed to prepare the students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators.

(2) Support the professional development of teachers using the above curriculum.

Restrictions

Funding cannot be used for construction.

Required Documentation

Proof of eligibility is required:
(1) Accredited Higher Education Institution (20 U.S.C. 1001), Secondary school or high school (20 U.S.C. 7801)

(2) State or local government entity

(3) Air Carriers (sec. 40102, title 49) or labor unions representing aircraft pilots

(4) Flight School that provides flight training (part 61, title 14) or holds a pilot school certificate (part, 141, title 14)
or
(5) An organization representing aircraft users, aircraft owners, or aircraft pilots.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
5 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Alicia Joynes
2022677540
901 D Street, Washington, DC 20024
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-01-15. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:44:09.