Flying High While Keeping Costs Low: How You Can Afford Aviation School

Becoming a pilot is not cheap. Aviation school is more expensive than a public university and only slightly less expensive than four years at a private liberal arts college or Ivy League school depending on which flight school you attend. If this is definitely the career path you want to pursue, begin early and look for every avenue to pay for tuition, licensing and classes. Here are some ways in which you can afford aviation school.

Aviation Scholarships

A number of sources, including famous Hollywood actors like Harrison Ford, have set up aviation scholarships for flight and aviation students. These scholarships may only be granted after you have been accepted into flight school, since the competition and requirements to receive these scholarships are fierce and difficult. Apply first for the aviation schools you want to attend--then apply for the scholarships that apply to your chosen school, your career path and your training.

Federal Student Aid

Federal student aid may now be used for any accredited college or institution of higher learning where a degree or certificate can be earned. This means that if your chosen aviation school has accreditation and certification programs, you can apply for federal student aid to pay for a portion of flight school. Famous, private and expensive flight schools are not barred from these funds so long as they meet the federal guidelines for institutions of higher learning.

Working as a Co-Pilot, Flight Intern or Ground Crew Person

Similar to work study under federal student aid programs, you can decrease the costs of your flight school education by working as co-pilot, flight intern, or ground crew person. In each of these careers, you learn more about what these professionals do, and how they are necessary to the safety and well-being of pilots, plane crews and passengers. In some cases, you may even be able to trade your job experience for class credit, finish classes early and/or graduate from flight school sooner, thereby cutting your overall expected flight school costs.

Joining the Air Force

This may not be the most agreeable way to decrease your flight school costs, but it definitely makes quite an impact. Joining the Air Force with the intent of becoming a pilot means the majority of your education is paid for by the U.S. government, but then you agree to serve in the Air Force for "x' number of years. If you already intended to join the Air Force to serve your country, then it is the perfect solution to your aviation school costs and concerns.

For more information, contact a website such as http://aviation.parkland.edu/.