Montana is fortunate to have many generous individuals and organizations who believe in promoting aviation by offering scholarships to qualified persons. The Aeronautics Division assists in administering some of these scholarships and encourages participation. The scholarships are offered to help defray costs of education (e.g., flight instruction, aircraft airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic school, etc.). Winners will be announced in January 2024 and awards will be presented at noon on March 1, 2024, at the Montana Aviation Conference in Butte.
The following scholarships are available.
Aviation Organizations of Montana Flight Training Scholarship Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) has established this $1,000 scholarship to financially assist a student pilot in obtaining their private pilot certificate. Briar Creek Scholarship This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active student or pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation. Applicant must be a Montana resident. Choice Aviation Scholarship A $1,500 scholarship is available to the holder of at least a Private Pilot Certificate and a Second-Class Medical, and who is looking to further advance themselves toward a career in aviation with additional pilot training at any of Choice Aviation's training facilities located in Montana or Wyoming. EAA Missoula Chapter 517 Scholarship The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 517, Inc. in Missoula will provide a $1,000 scholarship in 2023 for a post-solo student. Edwards Jet Center Scholarship Edwards Jet Center, a full-service Fixed Based Operator, Part 135 Charter Operator, and Part 145 Repair Station based at Logan International Airport in Billings, is offering a $2,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of flight instruction or A&P mechanic school. Mike and Julie Meloche Flight Training Scholarship This $1,000 scholarship is open to an active student or pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation. Applicant must be a Montana resident. Multiple scholarships are available. Bob and Kathy Dewante Flight Training Scholarship The recipient of this $3,000 scholarship is chosen for outstanding interest in aviation and demonstrated academic achievement. The recipient must be a Montana resident and previously soloed. Preference is given to younger applicants who are new pilots or pursuing a profession in aviation. Montana Antique Aircraft Association Scholarship The Montana Antique Aircraft Association is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, use, and knowledge of antique airplanes. MAAA’s motto is: "Keep the Antiques Flying." Their $1,000 scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight instruction or help defray the cost of aircraft mechanic school. Montana Ninety-Nines Scholarship The Montana Ninety-Nines offer this scholarship to qualified female candidates interested in and passionate about aviation. The dollar amount of this scholarship is dependent on candidate goals, not to exceed $5,000, and must be used within 12 months of date awarded. Candidates must be residents of Montana to be considered for this scholarship. A supplemental scholarship application is required and may be obtained by visiting here. Montana Pilots Association Air Safety and Education Foundation Flight Training Scholarship This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation. Applicant must be a Montana resident. Montana Pilots Association (MPA) Junior Pilot Scholarship The recipient of this $4,000 scholarship is chosen for outstanding interest in aviation, citizenship in their community, and demonstrated academic achievement. The recipient must be a Montana resident and previously soloed. Preference is given to younger applicants who are new pilots or pursuing a profession in aviation. Montana Pilots Association Central Montana Flight Training Scholarship This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation. Applicant must be a Montana resident. Montana Pilots Association Aviation Maintenance Scholarship This $2,000 scholarship is to be used for aviation mechanic training. Montana Pilots Association Arlin Wass Memorial Maintenance Technician Scholarship This $2,000 scholarship is to be used for aviation mechanic training. Applicants must be a Montana resident. Applicants must outline a financial plan to achieve their aircraft mechanic certifications and must demonstrate how their achievements of becoming a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic will impact aviation in Montana. Arlin C. Wass Aviation Maintenance Scholarship This $2,000 scholarship is to be used for aviation mechanic training. Theresa (Nistler) Colley Flight Scholarship The Theresa (Nistler) Colley Flight Scholarship is sponsored by the Nistler family. This scholarship is to honor the memory of Theresa, who loved flying and was working toward her private pilot certificate. This $2,000 Aviation Scholarship will be awarded to a student pilot actively working toward a private pilot certificate. Stuart Smishek Memorial Scholarship This $2500 scholarship is to honor the memory of Stu, who was a highly regarded Montana pilot from Billings. A $2,500 flight training scholarship is available to a Montana resident who holds at least a private pilot certificate and a first or second-class medical, and who is looking to further advance themselves toward a pilot career in aviation with additional flight training. Multiple scholarships are available. Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation scholarship Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded in memory of pilot Brett Thoft. The awards will be given to those who best demonstrate financial need, and a financial plan of action, and a detailed outline of their aviation goals.
Additional opportunities might become available. Please check our website for the most up-to-date list of scholarships.
How to Apply
Complete applications must include: 1) Letter of application; 2) Biography not to exceed 250 words; 3) Self-portrait photo. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application letters should explain reasons for applying, future career goals, past aviation experience (if any), and outstanding achievements.
Each document MUST include your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. All three required items must be attached to the same email (or enclosed in one envelope) for each scholarship. The same letter can be used for multiple scholarships, but candidates must submit a separate copy addressed to each individual scholarship.
Scholarship applications must be postmarked, or date stamped, on or before 11:59 p.m. MST, November 17, 2023.
NOTE: We cannot accept or open Google doc files. Please attach emailed applications as .pdf files.
Call 406-444-2506 with questions or for more information.
Mail complete applications to:
Montana Aeronautics Division
PO Box 200507
Helena, MT 59620-0507
Email your application to