2026 CPA Pilot Training Scholarship Program
Applications closed. Winners announced.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Get ready to celebrate the future of aviation! The CPA Education Committee is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2026 Scholarships. This year marked a historic milestone for our program, as we set new records for engagement with 25 applications for the Walt & Terry Barbo PPL Scholarship and another 25 for the Emily Howell Warner Female Advanced Ratings Scholarship.
The Colorado Pilots Association is deeply committed to fostering the growth of our pilot community. We believe the vitality of aviation hinges on attracting bright, diverse, and driven individuals into our ranks. This year's winners exemplify the very best of Colorado's aspiring aviators.
Walt & Terry Barbo Private Pilot License Scholarship
For Colorado students ages 16-22 pursuing their Private Pilot Certificate
Named after Walt Barbo, a WWII fighter pilot and former CPA president who continues flying his Cessna 210 at age 101. This scholarship helps young Coloradans begin their aviation journey.
Eligibility
- Colorado resident
- Aged 16-22 (minimum 17 by May 1 of application year)
- Current FAA Medical Certificate
- Enrolled in a Colorado-based flight school
Required Materials
- Personal essay detailing your aviation journey and goals
- Letter of recommendation from your CFI
Scholarships may not fully cover training costs. Awardees are responsible for any remaining balance. Funds are distributed directly to the training institution upon enrollment verification.
Emily Howell Warner Scholarship
For female Colorado pilots pursuing advanced ratings
Honors Emily Howell Warner (1939-2020), the first female pilot hired by a major U.S. commercial airline (Frontier Airlines, 1973). Her uniform is displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Eligibility
- Female Colorado resident
- Hold a current Private Pilot Certificate
- Actively pursuing advanced training (Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, or Multi-Engine Rating)
- Training at a Colorado flight school or training center
Required Materials
- Personal essay detailing your aviation journey and goals
- Letter of recommendation from your CFI
- Resume and training plan
Scholarships may not fully cover training costs. Awardees are responsible for any remaining balance. Funds are distributed directly to the training institution upon enrollment verification.
2026 Applications Closed
The scholarship winners for this season have been announced. Applications will reopen for the next cycle.
Questions? Contact Scholarship Committee
CPA Presents: Introduction to Flight Training Scholarships
by Makayla Galler
Makayla Galler is a high school senior who, at age 16, founded Pilot Prodigies, a program designed to bring a STEM experience directly into the classroom. As a female private pilot and FAA Part 107 professional drone pilot, she has developed a program focused on supporting underserved students in exploring their interests in UAS, STEM, and aviation.
The program offers workshops, drone demos, mentorship, scholarship information and other resources. Makayla's expertise in flight scholarships is evident in her own journey, starting from earning her Private Pilot License with a glider rating at a young age and continuing with her pursuit of an ASEL rating, supported by flight scholarships.
Her "Introduction to Flight Training Scholarships" presentation covers:
- What flight training scholarships are and their purpose
- Benefits for aspiring pilots
- Eligibility criteria and finding opportunities
- Application requirements and tips
Makayla is active with the Colorado Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International.
Other Aviation Scholarship Resources
Beyond CPA, many organizations offer aviation scholarships:
| Organization | Focus | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Wings Over the Rockies | Colorado students ages 15-19, private pilot (airplane or glider) | Annual |
| AOPA Foundation | Flight training, A&P, college aviation programs | Fall: Oct-Dec / Spring: Apr-Jun |
| EAA Scholarships | Youth flight training, Air Academy camps | Varies |
| Colorado 99s | Female pilots in Colorado | Varies |
| 99s National | Female pilots, multiple types | Varies |
| Women in Aviation International | Women in all aviation careers | Varies |
| FAA Grants & Scholarships | Federal aviation education programs | Varies |
| Aircraft Electronics Association | Avionics and aircraft electronics | Varies |
| Future of Aviation Initiative | Next-gen aviation careers platform | Ongoing |
| Civil Air Patrol | CAP cadets: flight, academic and activity scholarships | Opens mid-December |
| NBAA | Business aviation: pilots, maintenance, scheduling, dispatch | Varies |
| Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals | Flight training and aerospace careers | Varies |
| NGPA | LGBTQ+ pilots, private pilot through advanced ratings | Varies |
| Vertical Aviation International | Helicopter pilots and maintenance (VAI members) | Aug-Dec |
| Whirly-Girls | Women helicopter pilots | Varies |
| AAAE Foundation | Airport management and aviation business students | Varies |
| Air Traffic Control Association | Air traffic control and aviation students | Varies |
- Find a DPE for your checkride
- CheckrideHQ: Find flight instructors and examiners
- STEM Flights: National nonprofit connecting students with volunteer pilots
- Learning to Fly: CPA resources for student pilots
