Flight training
Find out how your VA education benefits can help pay for flight training to advance your pilot qualifications.
Can I use the GI Bill to pay for flight training?
You may be eligible for flight training benefits if you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill, and
- You have a private pilot’s license, and
- You have a second-class medical certificate valid for second-class privileges—or a first-class medical certificate if you want to pursue the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
Note: You can’t qualify for flight training benefits through Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).
What benefits can I get?
This depends on the VA benefit program you use and other factors.
If you use the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.
Check the current payment rates for MGIB-AD
If you use the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.
Check the current payment rates for MGIB-SR
If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Your payment depends on 3 factors:
- Your level of eligibility based on how long you served on active duty after September 10, 2001, and
- How much entitlement you have left for school or training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and
- The program and type of school you’re enrolled in (whether you’re enrolled in a vocational school, or a degree program at a private or public college or university)
Check the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
What kinds of qualifications can I get through flight training?
You can get the following qualifications:
- Rotary wing
- B747-400
- Dual engine
- Flight engineer
How do I get these benefits?
You’ll need to apply for benefits.