FAA Awards $10M to Train Aviation Maintenance Technicians & Pilots

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $5 million each in grants to develop both a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians and the next generation of pilots and other aviation professionals. To maintain the safest and most efficient aerospace system well into the future, the FAA recognizes the need to create a robust pipeline of skilled and diverse professionals. These grants are one way the agency is working to address the projected shortages of aviation professionals in the industry.

The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants were awarded to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare participants to pursue aviation maintenance careers. Grantees can use the funds to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry to primary, secondary and post-secondary school students; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas.

The Aircraft Pilots Aviation Workforce Development Grants were awarded to accredited higher-education institutions, high schools, state and local governments and flight schools. Grantees can use the funding to create and deliver curriculum designed to prepare students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators.