Organization Is Helping Pilots with Disabilities

The EAA fields a lot of calls through its volunteer aeromedical program, often asked about a variety of disabilities that some prospective aviators feel could prevent them from licensure. While some conditions do preclude students from attaining their desired level of training, many members are surprised to find out just how many can be overcome.

Their newest effort to assist those with unique challenges is The Adapt to Fly Scholarship fund, designed to help those with disabilities enter the world of aviation. Totalling $5,000 through EAA’s Flight Training Scholarship Program, applications are accepted through November 1.

EAA says that learning to fly and overcoming the challenges inherent to aviation can be a transformational experience for people and a great way to build self-confidence. Their scholarships are backed by dozens of passionate donors, benefactors, and industry partners who want to give back to the industry they love. Every year, the EAA grants more than $1 million in scholarly support to students to create the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

The scholarship is available to persons with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that meets the qualifications for a Class 3 Medical or Sport Pilot Certificate. Minimum pilot qualifications for those ratings apply, requiring the person to be 17 years of age or greater, a United States citizen with a valid driver’s license, and able to operate the controls of a training aircraft.

Applications for flight training running from January 1 to June 30 of 2022 close on November 1. The next cycle for flight training funding opens on Mar 1, 2022.

FMI: www.eaa.org