Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program
🏛 FAA - Aviation Next Gen
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to develop the next generation of aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems operators across the United States and territories.
Eligible applicants include air carriers, flight schools, accredited colleges and universities, postsecondary vocational institutions, high schools, labor organizations representing pilots, aviation nonprofits, and state/local/territorial/tribal government entities. Individuals cannot apply.
The program supports workforce development activities that attract and train future pilots. All activities must occur within the U.S. and territories. A portion of total funding supports the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program specifically.
This grant is for organizations seeking to develop the next generation of aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems operators across the United States and territories.
Eligible applicants include air carriers, flight schools, accredited colleges and universities, postsecondary vocational institutions, high schools, labor organizations representing pilots, aviation nonprofits, and state/local/territorial/tribal government entities. Individuals cannot apply.
The program supports workforce development activities that attract and train future pilots. All activities must occur within the U.S. and territories. A portion of total funding supports the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program specifically.
Program description
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program of which 20 percent of the total amount funded will be used to carry out the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. The purpose of the Program is to attract future aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators to the aviation industry throughout the United States and U.S. territories.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Community College
- Public K-12 School
- Vocational / Trade School
Details
This grant is for organizations seeking to develop the next generation of aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems operators across the United States and territories.
Eligible applicants include air carriers, flight schools, accredited colleges and universities, postsecondary vocational institutions, high schools, labor organizations representing pilots, aviation nonprofits, and state/local/territorial/tribal government entities. Individuals cannot apply.
The program supports workforce development activities that attract and train future pilots. All activities must occur within the U.S. and territories. A portion of total funding supports the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program specifically.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative and Goals
- Work Plan with Timeline
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of Organizational Status (501c3, regulatory certifications, etc.)
- Letters of Support
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 FAA - Aviation Next Gen
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202-735-7560
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.111 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$493,657
-
$480,253
-
$476,643
-
$471,622
-
$462,209
-
$458,921
-
$423,560
-
$419,708
Top States by Funding
- NC 6 awards $1.3M
- CA 2 awards $0.8M
- VA 2 awards $0.7M
- MD 3 awards $0.7M
- OR 2 awards $0.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.111). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $5,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $4,500,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $5,000,000 |
FAQ
Can a for-profit flight school apply?
Yes, if it provides flight training under Part 61 or holds a Part 141 pilot school certificate.
Is an individual pilot eligible?
No, individuals cannot apply. Only organizations and entities are eligible.
Can a nonprofit apply without a 501(c)(3) status?
No, aviation nonprofits must be described in Section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation.
What is the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program?
Twenty percent of total funding ($2.6 million) is dedicated to this program within the broader grant opportunity.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, this grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from applicants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your project around workforce pipeline development. Show how you'll attract and retain future pilots.
- If you're a flight school or airline, highlight partnerships with educational institutions to expand reach.
- Include letters of support from aviation industry partners or labor unions to strengthen competitiveness.
- Detail specific metrics: enrollment growth, certification completion rates, diversity goals in aviation talent.
- Apply by the fixed June 2026 deadline. This is a single-round funding opportunity with no rolling acceptance.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague recruitment or training plans without specific target numbers. Missing documentation of 501(c)(3) status or regulatory certifications (Part 61/141 for flight schools). Weak diversity and equity strategy, especially when Willa Brown component emphasizes underrepresented populations in aviation.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- OPEN Special Education 2026-2027 – IDEA B Grants — North Dakota Department of Public Instruction