Flight training

Question

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).

This depends on the VA benefit program you use and other factors.

We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.

We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.

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)

You can get the following qualifications:

You’ll need to apply for benefits.