For more than 50 years, the National Championship Air Races called Reno home. While we’re excited to begin a new chapter in Roswell, New Mexico, Reno will always be part of who we are, and we’re proud to continue investing in the community that helped build our legacy.
That’s why we’re excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 Flight Training Scholarship Program for eligible students in the Reno/Sparks area.
Applications opened June 1 and will be accepted through August 7, 2026, with scholarship recipients expected to be announced by the end of August.
Our Flight Training Scholarship Program helps aspiring aviators take one of the biggest first steps toward becoming a pilot by providing financial support for initial flight training leading to a Private Pilot Certificate. Eligible applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 20, be legal U.S. citizens, meet academic and medical requirements, complete a discovery flight, and pass the FAA written exam with a score of at least 70 percent before applying.
Since launching the program, we’ve awarded more than $450,000 in aviation scholarships, helping young people pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Every scholarship represents another future pilot, aviation professional, or industry leader taking flight.
As our President and COO, Tony Logoteta, puts it:
“Reno remains part of our legacy. The National Championship Air Races now fly in Roswell, but our roots, our corporate office, and a significant part of our aviation family remain here. Continuing to offer scholarships in the Reno/Sparks community is an important way for us to honor that heritage while investing in the next generation.”
Our Flight Training Scholarship Program is one part of our broader Racing for the Future initiative, which is dedicated to aviation education, workforce development, and strengthening the future of the aviation industry.
One of the things that makes this program especially meaningful is that it’s supported largely by the Nevada DMV Charitable License Plate Program. Every time a Nevada driver chooses the National Championship Air Races specialty license plate, they’re helping fund flight training opportunities for Nevada students. It’s a simple way our community continues to support the next generation of aviators.
As Scholarship Coordinator Greg Gibson explains:
“For many young people, the biggest obstacle to aviation is simply getting started. These scholarships are designed to help remove that first barrier and give motivated students a real pathway into the cockpit. Reno gave air racing its foundation, and it is deeply meaningful to continue helping Reno-area students find their own place in aviation.”
If you’re a student who dreams of flying—or if you know someone who does—we encourage you to apply. We believe the future of aviation begins with opportunity, and we’re honored to help open that door.
Download the scholarship overview and application materials on our site here. Completed applications should be submitted to scholarships@airrace.org.
We can’t wait to see where the next generation of Reno-area pilots will fly.
