Flight Training Scholarships
Racing begins
September 10th-14th, 2025
Roswell New Mexico | Roswell Air Center
Help Us “STEM” the Pilot Shortage
The Reno Air Racing Association is “RACING FOR THE FUTURE” by offering Flight Training, and coming soon, Airframe and Powerplant scholarships!
Meet a few members of our RARA Scholarship Squadron!
Building the Next Generation of Aviators
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is proud to champion the future of aviation through its Flight Training Scholarship Program. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has awarded 33 scholarships of $10,000 each, providing young aspiring pilots with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams in the skies. As we look to the future, we are thrilled to continue expanding this very successful program, ensuring that even more talented individuals have the opportunity to soar.
The Flight Training Scholarship Program is not just about funding; it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of aviators. As part of this effort, RARA offers named scholarship opportunities, allowing patrons to donate in the name of a family member or loved one. This special option adds a personal touch to your support, honoring someone important in your life while helping to cultivate the future of aviation.
We invite you to join us in supporting this amazing program. Your donation can make a significant difference in a young person’s life, opening the door to a career in aviation. Together, we can help more dreams take flight. To contribute to the Flight Training Scholarship Program, please visit our website or speak with a RARA representative today.
Let’s continue to build the future of aviation—one scholarship at a time.
Learn to Fly
FAA requirements to gain a Private Pilot’s License can be reviewed on the FAA website. The program overview and application can be downloaded below under Scholarship Forms.
Application Window
Please Note: The Application Window for 2024 has closed.
Applications were accepted for 2024 year beginning February 1st through April 1st. Please download the overview and application documents below. Thoroughness and detail are important criteria in the appliaction process, so please be sure to include all requested information.
Awarded Scholarships*
Successful candidates who are awarded scholarships will be notified via email by May 15th. For additional information, please see the FAQ below, or send an email to scholarships@airrace.org.
*RARA will award funds to apply toward a student’s PPL training or other scholarships. RARA does not directly conduct the training or select the candidate’s training facility, nor can it control the actual cost of training due to many factors. While every effort will be made to help reduce the overall cost, RARA does not guarantee that the full cost of training will be covered by the scholarship. Students should consult with their families and secure other sources to assist with additional funding should it become necessary. RARA reserves the right to modify the terms and availability of this program as needed according to available resources. IMPORTANT: Continued funding under the scholarship program is contingent upon the awardee’s performance to the agreed upon standards. Scholarships may be suspended or revoked for failure to complete the required elements in the time allowed.
General Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the scholarship:
Age – The scholarship is open to applicants ages 16-20
Location – Roswell, NM and Reno/Sparks, NV
Citizenship – Must be a legal US citizen
Health – Must be able to pass a Class III Medical Exam
Education – Must proficiently read, write, speak, and understand the English language; Must be enrolled in or have completed a qualified high school curriculum with a 3.0 or higher GPA
Flight Experience – applicant must complete a successful discovery flight of at least 30 minutes in a small general aviation aircraft with a certified flight instructor prior to being considered for the scholarship.
FAA Written Exam – COMPLETION of 70% OR BETTER IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO APPLICATION. Written exam cost may be reimbursed from scholarships funds to a successful applicant.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants who meet all criteria and complete the application process will be scheduled for interviews. Interviews will be conducted from the opening of the application window through the end of March.
2024 Reno Air Racing Association Scholarship Squadron
Gavin Ashby
Maks Barger
Tristan Bautista
Antonio Berto
Alex Florez
Jared Garrido
Kiera Grange
Evan Gray
John Hamilton
Avery Redmon
Benjamin Weaver
Zach Wells
Zeus Wesly
Scholarship Forms
Reno Air Racing Association Flight Training Scholarship Overview (Revised Jan 2, 2024) .pdf format
Scholarship Application Form (Revised Jan 2, 2024) .pdf format
Flight School / Provider Application (Current as of Feb 3, 2023) .pdf format
FAQs
Please review the items below as they contain answers to the most common questions regarding the scholarship program. A complete PDF overview of the scholarship process can be downloaded above.
Hack to appear closed
How do I become a pilot?
There are many resources, but the official requirements are listed on the Official FAA website at https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/
How many scholarships are available?
The number of scholarships awarded each year will depend on available funding and qualified applicants.
How often are scholarships available?
We anticipate offering flight training scholarships annually. The application window will open in January each year and close March 31st. Scholarship awards will take place by May 15th. Available scholarships will depend on the funding we receive each year, so please consider donating to the scholarship fund at www.airrace.org/donate.
Is the scholarship available for anything besides Private Pilot?
We are making plans to offer scholarships for other aerospace career support training, so please keep any eye on our website and social media as we will post there when new programs become available.
In what region is the scholarship available?
The scholarship is available in Roswell, NM and Reno/Sparks, NV.
What is the scholarship for?
The Reno Air Racing Association is providing scholarships for initial flight training to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. Additional scholarship opportunities are being considered and may be offered in the future.
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Any legal US Citizen in Roswell, NM and Reno/Sparks, NV area that is between the ages of 16 and 20, and is enrolled in or graduated from an approved high school curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must also be able to fluently read, write, speak, and understand the English language and pass a Class III FAA Medical Exam.
Will the RARA TFS Scholarship cover the entire cost of a PPL?
While every effort will be made to reduce costs for our scholarship recipients, RARA cannot guarantee that the total cost of obtaining a Private Pilot’s License will be covered with a scholarship due to many factors. Applicants should research means of supplemental funding prior to applying for and accepting the scholarship.