The National Championship Air Races is excited to announce a major milestone for aspiring pilots in New Mexico. For the first time, students in the state can apply for the National Championship Air Races Flight Training Scholarship, helping turn dreams of flight into reality.
Applications for the 2026 scholarship program opened on June 15 and will be accepted through August 7, 2026, with recipients expected to be announced by the end of August.
The Flight Training Scholarship Program helps young people take the first step toward earning their Private Pilot Certificate by providing financial support for initial flight training. 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 70 percent or higher before applying.
Since launching the program, we have awarded more than $450,000 in aviation scholarships. Expanding the program into New Mexico reflects our organization’s long-term commitment to our new home in Roswell and to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
“Bringing the National Championship Air Races to New Mexico was never just about moving an event,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “It was about building a future. Opening our flight training scholarships to New Mexico students is an important step in making sure the opportunity, excitement, and educational value of air racing reaches young people here in a lasting way.”
The Flight Training Scholarship is part of our broader Racing for the Future initiative, which focuses on aviation education and workforce development. Alongside the flight training scholarships, we are also continuing the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Scholarship Program for a second year in partnership with Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Applications for the A&P scholarships are open through August 15, with awards expected by September 1.
“This is a milestone for New Mexico students,” said Greg Gibson, RARA Scholarship Coordinator. “For the first time, young people here can apply for the same kind of flight training support that has already helped launch aviation dreams in Reno. Roswell has welcomed the National Championship Air Races with tremendous energy, and these scholarships help turn that excitement into real opportunity.”
Whether your goal is to become a pilot, pursue a career in aviation, or simply take that first step into the sky, the Flight Training Scholarship Program is designed to help make those ambitions achievable.
Ready to apply? Download the scholarship overview and application materials on our site here. Completed applications should be submitted to scholarships@airrace.org. Students interested in the Airframe and Powerplant Scholarship can find application information on the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell website.
We look forward to helping New Mexico’s next generation of aviators take flight.
