ACP439 Paying For Flight Training There are many ways you can pay for your flight training, but what is best for you? In today's episode, we will dive into the many methods of funding your flight training with a few hacks you may never have thought of. Pay Cash Pay as you go. Put as little down as possible to reduce the risk of no refund. Family and friends. They can give up to $19,000 per person per year in 2025 without paying tax. For example, both parents can give 19k each, which equals 38k total per year. https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/gift-tax-rate Scholarships It is worth the work. If you receive a $1,000 scholarship after 2 hours of work, that is $500 an hour. Apply early and often. We have the largest directory of scholarships on the internet with over 120 million, and for over a decade helping people find scholarships. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ There are many directories on the internet you can use with a search, but they only show you those that are currently available and not those that have been given in the past and are available in the future. Federal student loans Normally associated with colleges and universities. You will have to apply for Federal student aid through financial aid. https://studentaid.gov High school and college counselors can help. Use your GI Bill Need to already have your private pilot certificate and Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, or Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve You have a private pilot's license, and On the day you enroll in flight training, you hold a second-class medical certificate valid for second-class privileges—or a first-class medical certificate if you want to pursue the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, and Your Part 141 pilot school or your Part 142 training center is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under title 14, and Your flight program is approved for VA education benefits https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/flight-training/ Private student loans. Credit Cards Finance companies Organizations such as AOPA https://finance.aopa.org/flight-training-finance Sallie Mae, Meritize, Stratus, Pilot Finance, etc. https://www.salliemae.com/student-loans/career-training-loan/flight-school-loans/ https://www.meritize.com https://stratus.finance https://www.flighttrainingfinancellc.com Government sponsored Consumer-type loan rates lowered with cosigning. Most schools will list them on their website. 529 savings plans Since this is new, contact your tax advisor first and coordinate with the flight school. Thanks to the National Flight Training Alliance for their advocacy. Finance through the flight school you work for. Some offer discounted or free lessons for employees. May come with an obligation to work for the school for a period of time after or repay the money. Get started early, earning money without a medical. Sport Pilot Certificate Sport Pilot Flight instructor. Great for those not able to get a medical right away but know they will be eligible, career 2.0 who are older, want to use flight instruction to pay for their flight training, and want higher ratings. Downside is currently a small market, but as more are educated, more will probably get the sport pilot certificate because of the new rule, Oct 22, 2025 Find the path and loan that is best for you. We can help through our one-on-one and group mentorship. Stay motivated throughout mentorship. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code "CoachItForward" for the first month free. One-On-One Coaching: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching. Questions: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com
