Future Takes Flight Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Avfuel Corporation
Overview
The Sheltair and Avfuel Future Takes Flight Scholarships provide annual financial support to individuals pursuing careers and advancement within business aviation. The program awards $30,000 each year, split into six $5,000 scholarships across three categories to broaden access to pilot training, technician education, and continuing professional development. The scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers and support career pathways that strengthen the business aviation workforce. Applicants are evaluated on written submissions, with special consideration for those demonstrating financial need.
History: Sheltair and Avfuel have collaborated for nearly a decade and established this scholarship program to reinvest in the aviation community that supports their businesses.
- Annual program totaling $30,000 distributed as six $5,000 awards.
- Three targeted categories: pilot training, technicians, and continuing education.
- Focus on career advancement and reducing financial barriers in business aviation.
Learning to Fly or Advanced Pilot Ratings Scholarship
This category supports students pursuing initial or advanced pilot certifications, academic degrees related to aviation, or specialized training such as upset recovery or type ratings. Awards may be applied toward flight lessons, coursework, degree programs, type or ATP certifications, or other pilot-specific training that advances an applicant’s qualifications. The intent is to accelerate pathway progression for aspiring and developing professional pilots within business aviation.
Award Value: Two scholarships of $5,000 each are available in this category.
Description: Funds may be used for private pilot certificates, multi-engine or commercial ratings, ATP coursework, type ratings, upset recovery training, or related academic programs.
- Supports both initial pilot training and advanced pilot certifications.
- Two awards available at $5,000 each.
- Funds are restricted to aviation-related training and education.
Aviation Technicians Scholarship
This category funds education and certifications for aviation maintenance professionals. The scholarships are intended to support entry into technician training programs, continuing technician coursework, or achievement of mechanic inspector authorizations. Recipients will be expected to use funds to directly advance their technical qualifications within maintenance, inspection, or related aviation trades.
Award Value: Two scholarships of $5,000 each are available in this category.
Description: Eligible uses include technician coursework, certification programs, and qualifications that enable career progression in aircraft maintenance and inspection.
- Targets technician training and certification advancement.
- Two awards available at $5,000 each.
- Supports practical, career-focused maintenance education.
Continuing Education Scholarship
This category is designed for working aviation professionals seeking to expand skills relevant to operations at FBOs, charter operators, maintenance facilities, or flight schools. Awards support short courses, certifications, or other continuing education that enhance on-the-job performance and career mobility. The goal is to help incumbent workers remain competitive and adapt to evolving industry needs.
Award Value: Two scholarships of $5,000 each are available in this category.
Description: Funds may be used for continuing education, professional development courses, or certifications that improve operational, technical, or customer-service competencies in business aviation roles.
- Intended for incumbent aviation professionals seeking skill enhancement.
- Two awards available at $5,000 each.
- Applicable to training that directly supports workplace performance.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit written responses and supporting documents that demonstrate intent, experience, and need. Required materials include certification information when applicable, an optional resume, and answers to two essay questions limited to 1,000 characters each. All documentation should clearly indicate how the requested funds will be used and how the training supports the applicant’s aviation career goals.
Eligibility: Eligibility varies by category but generally requires intent to pursue aviation education or training; specific certification or enrollment details should be provided when applicable.
Required Materials: Typical required items include pilot certification type and license number (if applicable), upcoming certification completion date and school (if applicable), optional resume or CV, and a description of planned funding sources for education.
- Two short essays (each up to 1,000 characters) addressing career goals and industry challenges.
- Documentation of certifications or planned coursework where applicable.
- Statement of how scholarship funds will be used and other funding plans.
Selection and Payment
A selection committee of Avfuel and Sheltair executives reviews submissions and awards six recipients annually based on essay quality and demonstrated need. The program gives special consideration to applicants facing financial hardship. Award recipients are notified in advance of public announcement events such as the NBAA convention when applicable.
Selection Criteria: Recipients are chosen primarily on the merit of their essays and supporting documentation, with preference for those who demonstrate financial need and clear plans for career advancement.
Payment of Scholarships: Scholarships are paid by check made payable to both the recipient and the educational institution. Checks must be endorsed by both parties, used exclusively for aviation education, and redeemed within one year of award notification. Recipients must provide a detailed plan describing how funds will be applied.
- Six recipients selected annually by an internal committee.
- Checks issued jointly to recipient and institution and must be endorsed by both.
- Funds must be used for the stated educational purpose and redeemed within one year.