Scholarship Information

Scholarship Information

The Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA) is committed to fostering the next generation of business aviation professionals by providing scholarships to students and professionals pursuing careers in the industry. Our scholarship programs support individuals at various stages of education and career development, helping ensure that business aviation continues to thrive in Central Florida and beyond.

2026 CFBAA Scholarship Opportunities

CFBAA is proud to offer seven scholarship programs in 2026, each tailored to a specific career stage within business aviation.

1. CFBAA Scholarship for Incoming College Students ($2,000)

Who Can Apply

  • Florida high school students pursuing a career in business aviation

  • Must be enrolling in a Florida-based, FAA-approved or AABI-accredited program

Award

  • Covers tuition, training, or educational expenses

2. CFBAA Scholarship for Current Undergraduate College Students ($2,000)

Who Can Apply

  • Students currently enrolled in a Florida-based, FAA-approved or AABI-accredited aviation program

  • Must have a clear career goal in business aviation

Award

  • Supports academic and career advancement in corporate aviation

3. CFBAA Scholarship for Current Graduate College Students ($2,000)

Who Can Apply

  • Students currently enrolled in a Florida-based, FAA-approved or AABI-accredited aviation program

  • Must have a clear career goal in business aviation

Award

  • Supports academic and career advancement in corporate aviation

4. CFBAA Scholarship for YoPro Career Development ($2,000)

Who Can Apply

  • Young professionals (40 and under) currently working in business aviation

  • Must be seeking additional training, skills, or certifications to advance their careers

Award

  • Assists with professional development costs, including training programs, certification courses, and leadership development

5. CFBAA Scholarship for Professional Development ($2,000)

Who Can Apply

  • Business aviation professionals seeking to expand qualifications or obtain new certifications

Award

  • Helps fund career advancement opportunities to support continued success in business aviation

6. Kinsella Award ($5,000)

The Kinsella Award honors the legacy of Gregory J. Kinsella for his leadership and dedication to the aviation community. This one-time scholarship supports the next generation of business aviation leaders by recognizing a high school student from Southwest Florida with a strong record of volunteer service who is pursuing a career in business aviation.

This scholarship is awarded to an incoming college student attending a Florida-based, FAA-approved or Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)-accredited aviation program and is intended to assist the recipient as they begin their university studies.

Who Can Apply

  • Must be a resident of Southwest Florida (Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or Lee County)

  • Must be an incoming college student

  • Must be enrolling in a Florida-based FAA-approved or AABI-accredited aviation program

Award

  • Helps cover tuition

7. CAE ATP-CTP Scholarship 

The CAE ATP-CTP Scholarship is designed to support qualified pilots as they take the next critical step toward earning their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This scholarship provides access to CAE’s Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP), helping pilots advance their professional aviation careers through world-class training and instruction.

This opportunity is open to pilots who meet the FAA eligibility requirements outlined in FAR Part 61.153(b) and (d) and who demonstrate a strong commitment to professionalism, safety, and continued development in aviation.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Must hold a valid U.S. passport

  • Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language in accordance with FAR 61.153(b)

    • Applicants unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons may still be considered, subject to FAA operating limitations as necessary for safe aircraft operation

  • Must meet at least one of the following qualifications under FAR 61.153(d):

    • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating issued under FAA regulations; or

    • Meet the military experience requirements under FAR 61.73 to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, and an instrument rating if the applicant is a current or former rated U.S. military pilot

This scholarship reflects CAE’s commitment to developing the next generation of professional pilots by reducing financial barriers and providing access to industry-leading ATP-CTP training.

How to Apply

Applicants for all CFBAA scholarships must submit:

  • Be a United States Citizen or have a Green Card
  • Complete the Application Form
  • Complete a 60-second video explaining how the scholarship will help achieve your career goals. 
  • Provide and supporting documents (resume, transcripts, etc)

📅 Application Deadline: May 4th

Scholarship Registration