FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as the 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.

Background

Through the award of these grants, the USDOT and the FAA will assist in expanding the U.S. aircraft pilot workforce. The Program aims to provide 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, including members of the armed forces. By advancing equity across the federal government, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved. Consistent with federal policy and the Authorizing Legislation, the Program will further benefit the public by advancing equity.

Program Goals

The Program is to provide grants for eligible projects to support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce.

Per the Authorizing Legislation, the USDOT Secretary may exercise discretion to ensure that the award recipients selected will allow participation from a diverse collection of applicants in rural, suburban, and urban areas.

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

a. 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 systems operators, including purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator associated with such curriculum;

b. Establish or improve scholarship, internship, or registered apprenticeship programs for individuals pursuing employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft systems operator;

c. Create and deliver curricula that provide certified flight instructors with the necessary instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better educate student pilots;

d. Support the transition to professional aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces;

e. Support robust outreach about careers in commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned system operator, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or

f. Otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.