FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program | NG AWP 25 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for NG AWP 25 001

The FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal year 2025. Its central aim is to grow the pipeline of future aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators across the United States and U.S. territories by funding education, recruitment, and workforce development efforts. A notable set-aside is built into the program: 20 percent of the total funding awarded under this opportunity will be used to carry out the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program, which is intended to expand aviation education access and interest as part of the broader workforce strategy.

The program is framed around a workforce shortage and long-term capacity issue in aviation, so the FAA is looking for projects that create real exposure, training pathways, and career on-ramps rather than one-off events. The emphasis is on "meaningful educational experiences" that spark sustained interest and help participants prepare for aviation careers, including structured support for people transitioning into professional pilot roles. Importantly, the FAA also calls out transition support for members and veterans of the armed forces, signaling that proposals serving military-to-civilian career pathways are a clear fit.

Eligible projects span several categories, giving applicants flexibility as long as the activities support pilot or UAS operator career development. Fundable efforts include creating and delivering aviation programs or curricula for high school or secondary students and for students in higher education, and this can include buying and operating computer-based simulators that are tied to the curriculum. The FAA is also open to projects that establish or strengthen scholarships, internships, and registered apprenticeship programs aimed at people pursuing professional pilot or UAS operator employment. Another eligible category focuses on improving the quality of instruction by developing curricula that build certified flight instructors' instructional, leadership, and communication skills, with the goal of producing better-prepared student pilots. Additional eligible uses include programs that help people transition directly into professional aviation careers (again, including veterans and service members), and outreach initiatives that promote commercial aviation careers and intentionally reach populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry. Beyond these listed examples, the FAA leaves room for other activities that "otherwise enhance or expand" the pilot and UAS operator workforce, which gives applicants room to propose creative solutions as long as the workforce connection is strong and clear.

The opportunity is open to a wide range of aviation and education stakeholders. Eligible applicants include air carriers (as defined in 49 U.S.C. 40102), entities operating under Part 91 Subpart K management specifications, accredited institutions of higher education, postsecondary vocational institutions, and high schools or secondary schools. Flight schools are eligible if they provide flight training under 14 CFR Part 61 or hold a pilot school certificate under 14 CFR Part 141. The program also welcomes labor organizations representing professional pilots, qualifying aviation-related nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and state, local, territorial, tribal, and other governmental entities. Taken together, this applicant pool suggests the FAA expects partnerships among schools, training providers, industry, unions, nonprofits, and government to create end-to-end pathways from awareness to training to employment.

From the published opportunity details, the funding opportunity title is "FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program" with funding opportunity number "NG AWP 25 001." It is a grant (funding instrument type: Grant) under the transportation funding activity category, with CFDA number 20.111. The application closing date is February 5, 2025. The award ceiling is $1,000,000 per award, and the FAA anticipates making about 9 awards. The opportunity was created on January 6, 2025, indicating a relatively short runway between posting and deadline, which typically means applicants should prioritize a clearly scoped project plan, defined target populations, and measurable outcomes tied directly to recruitment, education, training completion, credentialing, and entry into pilot or UAS operator career tracks.

• The DOT Federal Aviation Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.111.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-01-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-05. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 9 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for NG AWP 25 001

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