We at the Colorado Pilots Association recognize the need to continue growing the population of pilots in Colorado. To that end, we offer scholarships for Private Pilot, Advanced and Certificated Flight Instructor training. Scholarships are available annually in each area, valued at $2500 each. 

The Private Pilot scholarship is available to Colorado residents ages 16-22. You must have started your flight training, and successfully soloed in order to apply. See below for the details on the Private Pilot page and application. While development of professional pilots is a priority, a planned career in aviation is not a requirement.

The Certificated Flight Instructor scholarship is available to any Colorado residents holding a Commercial Pilot certificate and Instrument rating, pursueing initial CFI training. We will not award funds for a Sport Pilot Instructor rating, nor for add-on ratings on an existing CFI certificate. Again, formal enrollment is required in a flight school program. We recognized there are many excellent freelance CFIs teaching this program, however we cannot disperse funds to an individual. More details can be found on the CFI page and application under the CFI Program below. The intention of making flight instruction a long term career is a plus, but is not required. 

The Emily Howell Warner scholarship is available for any female Colorado residents holding a Private Pilot certificate or higher, and supports training toward an Instrument rating, Commercial Certificate or Multi Engine rating.

We shifted in 2020 from academic to flight training scholarships, in hopes of building the number of pilots in our great state. While we struggled to attempt to include financing all aspects of flight training like FAA exams and examiner’s fees, in the end we streamlined the process, intending to fund strictly aircraft (and possibly simulator) rental, and Instructor fees. We recognized that our awards, while substantial, are not complete funding for the certificates sought by our applicants.

The deadline to apply for CPA scholarships is March 31st annually. The scholarship committee will review application packages in April to select a list of finalists for virtual interviews. Awards will be made in early May with funds deposited in the accounts of the winners at their flight school.

CPA is committed to helping build our pilot community. The vitality of aviation is dependent upon attracting young, diverse, and goal-oriented individuals into our ranks. We NEED you! If you have the passion, drive, and commitment to become a pilot or are a pilot working to expand your skills, please apply

The online application can be found at CPA Scholarship Application. Membership in CPA is required to apply.  For new student pilots, a free trial membership is available. Details can be found at About Us.  Please direct any questions to education@cpa.org.  

Makayla Galler and Mike Mayfield: Education Committee Co-Chairs.