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FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program

General Grant Program Information

The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Program provides grants for eligible projects to support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots and/or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operator workforce. Through the award of these grants, the USDOT and the FAA will assist in expanding the U.S. aircraft pilot and UAS workforce. The Program is intended to foster meaningful educational experiences to stimulate interest and encourage participants throughout the nation to prepare to enter this career field. The Program also supports activities to facilitate the transition of individuals to careers as aircraft pilots and/or UAS operators, including veterans of the armed forces.

Opportunity Status:
Closed
Posted Date:
05/19/2026
Close Date:
06/22/2026
Eligible Applicants:
State Governments; Local Governments; Federally Recognized Tribes and Affiliated Groups; Transportation Providers and Operators; Academic and Research Institutions; Job Training Applicants; Private-Sector Applicants; Non-profit; U.S. Territories
Eligible Activities:
Equipment and Materials; Operations and Maintenance; Technical Assistance, Workforce Development, and Training/Education
Transportation Type:
Air
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$13,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
No
Match Waiver:
Yes
Tribal Set-Aside:
No
Grant Opportunity ID:
NG-AWP-25-002
Grant Opportunity Link:
Grants.gov Opportunity: FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program
Links to Additional Information:
Agency:
USDOT / Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Eligibility Information

The following types of entities are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity: 

  1. Air carrier as defined in Section 40102 of Title 49, U.S. Code;
  2. Entity that holds management specifications under Subpart K of Part 91 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
  3. 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); 
  4. 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; 
  5. Labor organization representing professional aircraft pilots; 
  6. 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 
  7. State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.
  8. Individuals are ineligible to apply under this NOFO. 

Projects that fall into one or more of the categories below will be eligible for an award. An eligible project is a project to: 

  1. Create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school or secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation education to become aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft system operators, including purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator associated with such curriculum; Establish or improve scholarship, internship, or registered apprenticeship programs for individuals pursuing employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator; 
  2. Create and deliver curricula that provide certified flight instructors with the necessary instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better educate student pilots; 
  3. Support the transition to professional aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including veterans of the armed forces; Support robust outreach about careers in commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned system operator; or 
  4. Otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce. 

Funding Information

The Program is a competitive discretionary grant program. The FAA estimates it will make approximately $13 million available to fund an estimated 13 recipients through this NOFO. A funded project may have a 24-months performance period, with a maximum funding limit of $1 million. 

No less than 20 percent of the total amount funded will be used to carry out a grant program that shall be referred to as the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. These awards must be carried out in counties containing at least one qualified opportunity zone as defined in Section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. An award in the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program can be carried out in counties outside of an opportunity zone as long as the award includes activity carried out in at least one qualified opportunity zone. 

Contact Information

AWD-Grants@faa.gov

Disclaimer:
The Dashboard provides users with a high-level overview of relevant Federal discretionary grant programs. The information in the Dashboard is maintained as a secondary resource and may not be updated with the most recent changes to each program's primary guidance materials. Accordingly, please refer to the Federal grant-making agency for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on a grant opportunity in the Dashboard.