FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is seeking applications for its fiscal year 2026 Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program. A significant portion of the total funding, 20 percent, will be allocated to the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. The overarching goal of this program is to attract individuals to the aviation industry, focusing on future aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators across the United States and its territories. Eligible applicants include air carriers, entities holding management specifications under Subpart K of Part 91, accredited institutions of higher education, postsecondary vocational institutions, high schools, flight schools, labor organizations representing professional aircraft pilots, aviation-related nonprofit organizations, and state, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. This is a discretionary grant opportunity with an estimated total program funding of $13,000,000, with individual award ceilings of $1,000,000.