Advanced Pilot Scholarships
TThe Emily Howell Warner Scholarship supports female pilots with Private Pilot certificates or higher pursuing Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, or Multi-Engine Ratings.
Emily Howell Warner (1939–2020) was a pioneering American pilot, nationally recognized for breaking gender barriers in commercial aviation, with deep roots in Colorado where her career began and flourished.
She started flying lessons in 1958 at Clinton Aviation at Stapleton Airport in Denver, where she also worked as a receptionist to pay for her instruction. In January 1973, after years of persistent applications, Denver-based Frontier Airlines hired her, making her the first female pilot for a scheduled U.S. commercial airline since 1934.
Warner received multiple national and local honors for her achievements. In her honor, the Granby/Grand County Airport in Colorado was renamed Emily Warner Field in 2015. Her pilot uniform is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. She is remembered as a trailblazer whose skill and perseverance opened the doors for thousands of women in the commercial aviation industry.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Hold a current Private Pilot Certificate.
• Be a female Colorado resident.
• Be actively pursuing advanced training at a flight school or training center in Colorado.
Additional Details:
• Applicants must submit a resume, essay, and training plan, along with verification from their instructor or school.
• Funds are distributed directly to the training institution upon verification of enrollment and progress.
• Partial Funding: Scholarships may not fully cover the cost of training. Awardees are responsible for any remaining balance.