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Aviation Scholarships
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Scholarship & Grant Applications
 The Virginia Department of Aviation coordinates several aviation scholarships supporting aviation careers, as well as a scholarship focusing on pilot license training. Please contact DOAV for the application deadlines.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Chad Weaver Aviation Scholarship
What expenses can the Scholarship be used for?
It provides $1,000 for Virginia flight students to complete ground school or take flight lessons toward their Private Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor Rating, or both.
Can I be reimbursed for training completed before acceptance?
No. Reimbursement is only provided for instruction completed after the applicant has been accepted into the program.
What documents or certificates do I need before applying?
Applicants must hold a current FAA medical certificate and a student or pilot certificate before applying. All instruction must be completed at a Virginia flight school.
Can I receive the scholarship more than once?
Yes. It may be used once toward a Private Pilot License and once toward a CFI endorsement.
Do I need to train at a Virginia flight school?
Yes. The scholarship is available to any Virginia resident of any age who is pursuing a Private Pilot License or a Certified Flight Instructor endorsement at a Virginia flight school.
Willard G. Plentl Sr. Scholarship
Who is eligible to apply?
What qualifies as a non‑engineering aviation career?
Is the scholarship renewable, and how often is it awarded?
Yes. Students can reapply annually as long as they are currently enrolled in a non‑engineering aviation education program.
What documents do I need to upload?
Applicants must upload a personal statement, official high school transcript, acceptance or enrollment verification, up to three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
What GPA is required?
Applicants must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5.
Teacher Grants Application
Do lessons need to focus on aviation specifically?
Who is eligible to apply?
K–12 educators in Virginia from any subject area are eligible to apply.
How does the reimbursement process work?
What does the grant fund?
The grant provides up to $500 in reimbursement for aviation‑themed lessons or projects that enhance student learning. Any lesson that incorporates aviation principles, aviation career exploration, or related STEM activities is eligible. Funding is also available to educators/Virginia schools wishing to purchase an aviation lesson planning resource such as AOPA’s curricula. Additionally, Teachers can receive reimbursement funding to pursue an FAA Ground Instructor or Advanced Ground Instructor rating to support their long-term aviation lesson planning.
Contest & Event Request Forms
The Virginia Department of Aviation offers a wide range of educational programs, outreach events, and contests designed to promote aviation awareness across the Commonwealth. The ICON A‑5 Introduction to Flight Program brings hands‑on aviation education to schools and community organizations, along with additional programming suitable for learners of all ages. Annual art and photo contests are also held annually highlighting Virginia’s aviation community. To request a DOAV educational event in your school or local community, please use the event request form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Requests
What information is needed to submit an event request?
Applicants must provide the event date, location, start and end times, estimated attendance, event type, a brief event description, and any available agenda or schedule. Contact details for the event organizer are also required.
Are there technical or logistical requirements?
Some programs require specific conditions. For example, the ICON A5 program depends on suitable weather and requires a paved parking area of at least 55 ft by 40 ft. For aircraft electrical power, the requestor must confirm access to a 120V outlet within 50 feet.
Who can request a DOAV educational event?
Any Virginia school, organization, or community group may request an aviation‑focused event, including career days, STEM days, airshows, community programs, or other educational activities.
Are there participation or safety guidelines?
Yes. Events must provide one chaperone per twenty students, and individuals entering the ICON A5 must wear soft‑soled shoes. The maximum individual cockpit weight is 250 lbs. Hangar tours require attendees to submit a manifest with names, affiliated organizations, and vehicle information.
What types of programs can be requested?
Requestors may choose from several DOAV offerings, including the ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program, the DOAV event trailer, a tradeshow table display, DOAV hangar tours, or a speaker/presenter. Additional options may be available depending on the event.
Photo Contest
Who can enter the Virginia Aviation Photo Contest?
What rights do I grant by submitting a photo?
By entering the contest, photographers affirm that they own the submitted images and grant the Virginia Department of Aviation a perpetual, royalty‑free license to use the photos for any DOAV purpose, including print materials, marketing, publications, the annual aviation calendar, websites, and social media. DOAV may use the images without credit or compensation.
What are the photo format requirements?
Entries must be digital, preferably in .jpg format, with a minimum resolution of 300 ppi or at least 3 MB. Higher‑resolution files are encouraged for calendar use.
How many photos can I submit?
Applicants may submit between one and five photos. Each photo must include a brief description that notes the location and aircraft type, if applicable.