Free Money. Just the sound of that statement is likely to get your attention. Maybe you are skeptical or perhaps you are intrigued by those two words � no matter, when it comes to scholarships in the business aviation community there are some options available to you that are worth your exploring. Yes, financing your own education in the world of corporate flying can get expensive, but there are ways that you can take a class and/or receive certification at no cost to you. Please read on and we�ll examine some of the scholarship options currently available.

It doesn�t matter if you are new to corporate aviation or if you are a seasoned veteran. Thanks to the generosity of several National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) member companies, you can apply for a scholarship that can cover the cost of training. Each year, beginning around February 1st, the NBAA Flight Attendant Committee typically announces the opening of their Flight Attendant/Flight Technician Scholarship application period. Applicants are invited to apply for a scholarship and will be considered for one as long as their application is in by March 31st.

Nearly 60 scholarships are awarded annually, but what makes this so interesting is that usually no more than 100-125 people apply! Yes, if you apply and follow all of the instructions given, you stand a good chance of winning. Of course, if you are one of those who does not win you can always apply again in subsequent years � some members of our online community have won multiple times.

You aren�t required to be an NBAA member to qualify and if you do win a scholarship the NBAA Flight Attendant Committee typically will allow you to attend the annual Flight Attendant Conference for free. Although you are responsible for your own transportation, meals, and lodging when attending the conference or when completing your training, you will save several hundred to several thousand dollars of dollars when you win a scholarship.

The NBAA isn�t the only organization that gives away business aviation scholarships. The Women in Aviation International (WAI) group awards scholarships annually as well. Unlike the NBAA, you do have to be a member of the WAI in order to apply for a scholarship. However, membership is just $39 annually so it could be worth your while to join the group and then apply. Yes, men are welcome to join the WAI too.

Some schools and organizations offer scholarships for those who apply directly. This information changes frequently but a visit to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) website is helpful as they maintain a list of scholarship providers.

Finally, check around the internet and visit some of the other links provided herein to find some financing options that may be available to you. As in any field, business aviation requires that you invest in yourself through training and personal development. If you can win a scholarship to defray some of the costs related to furthering your career, then you are already ahead of the game.

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