Aviation Scholarship Programs

NEW IN 2026

FOR PROFESSIONAL PILOTS IN TRAINING:  The BRIGGS CHECKRIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Briggs Checkride Scholarships assist Iowa pilots along their paths to becoming professional pilots by reimbursing practical test examiner fees.

Scholarship:

• The Iowa Aviation Promotion Group (IAPG) awards scholarships worth up to $5000 towards the successful completion of Practical Test Examinations (initial only) for the Commercial, Flight Instructor (excluding Sport Pilot), and/or Airline Transport Certificate. This can be in any category of aircraft for which the certificate is issued.
• Deadline is April 1, 2026. Scholarships awarded on May 1.
• Practical Test Examinations must be successfully completed within 24 months of the scholarship award.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Iowa residents or pilots training in Iowa, with a maximum age of 54 at the time of application, seeking FAA certificates above Private Pilot Certification;
• Possess (at minimum) a Private Pilot Certificate in any category;
• Possess a second-class or higher medical certificate at the time of application.

REIMBURSEMENT:

IAPG will reimburse for documented initial Practical Test Examination fees up to the scholarship limit of $5,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants will submit these documents:

• The completed scholarship application;
• A letter to the Scholarship Committee explaining the applicant’s flight career goals and plans to attain them;
• Two letters of recommendation;
• Copy of FAA pilot’s certificate;
• Copy of FAA medical certification.

The awardee will be furnished with a certificate of award and instructions for invoicing IAPG for reimbursement.

PAST RECIPIENTS:

• 2026 – First time awarded

Questions?

For additional information on Iowa Aviation Promotion Group’s Briggs Checkride Scholarships contact: Dick Westbrook, Scholarship@flyiowa.org.

About BOB BRIGGS:

Bob Briggs took his first airplane flight over Des Moines at age 12.  Over a lifetime of flying, he became one of the nation’s most accomplished pilots, awarded type ratings in 109 different aircraft.  It’s a 2016 Guinness World Record that still stands.

A graduate of Des Moines Roosevelt High School and Drake University, Briggs earned his FAA pilots license at age 21.  He went on to fly helicopters for the Army National Guard and the Naval Reserve, and also flew cargo for the Flying Tigers Line and then FedEx.  He volunteers his airplane to 11 different organizations to bring patients to medical treatment.

Said Briggs, “Learning is my passion, and most of the airplanes and helicopters I’ve had a chance to fly and acquire ratings with I’ve never flown again- it’s just fun to do and a learning experience for me.” Briggs is passionate about flight education, “I’ve described myself as a 50-year student pilot.”

FOR students age 16-24:  The Chuck Mcdonald Aviation Training Scholarship

First awarded in 2022, the Chuck McDonald Aviation Training Scholarship encourages
those 16-24 years old to begin a career path in aviation by assisting in funding their flight
training.

After advancing my training in Iowa with the help of the Chuck McDonald Scholarship I moved to Minnesota State Mankato’s campus to continue working on my private license. Near the end of December (2024) I traveled to Siren, Wisconsin for my checkride and passed! At the start of the spring semester I began working on my instrument rating and I’m currently studying for my mock checkride which is scheduled for later this week. I’ve been approved to start working on my commercial rating this summer as soon as I finish up with instrument which will set me up to start on multi engine in the fall which I’m super excited for!

Scholarship:

• Fly Iowa annually awards a scholarship worth up to $2500 towards the cost of tuition, instruction, aircraft rental and other expenses incurred in obtaining an FAA Pilot License.
• Must take training at an Iowa community college, university, flight school, FBO or from a Certified Flight Instructor.
• Application deadline April 1^st. Scholarships awarded May 1^st.
• Training must be completed within 24 months of the scholarship award.

After graduating from high school with my pilot’s license, I decided to take my career in aviation a step further. I am attending Indian Hills Community College to earn my aircraft mechanic certifications and will graduate in May 2026. Of course, I am also flying at any opportunity I can. Recently, I passed my instrument check ride and I’ve added on my tail wheel and high performance endorsements as well. I am currently working towards my commercial license which I hope to have completed by summer’s end. After this is accomplished, I plan to work towards my instructor rating and multi-engine rating. 

Regarding my mechanic’s license, I hope to utilize my skill set on my own aircraft and perhaps start a fabric restoration business someday.

Eligibility:

• Students ages 16 through 24 seeking an FAA Private Pilot Certification;
• Possess a third-class or higher medical certificate;
• Training must be completed within 24 months of the scholarship award.

Since receiving the Chuck McDonald Aviation Training Scholarship I went on to earn my Private, Instrument, Commercial, Commercial Multi Engine, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, and Commercial Single Engine Sea Rating. Without scholarships like the Chuck McDonald Aviation training scholarship I definitely would not be where I am today! I’m so thankful and grateful to have the support from aviation organizations like this one to help spur me along. 

I am now working full time as an apprentice working towards earning my Airframe and Powerplant Certificates. I am also flight instructing at the Monticello airport. This summer I am also getting more flying time working for a small survey company that is surveying crop land.

Reimbursement:

The training provider will invoice the IAPG scholarship program for student expenses incurred for aircraft rental, ground, and flight instruction. IAPG will pay the instruction provider up to the scholarship limit of $2,500.

Administration:

A three-member panel of IAPG Directors will serve as a Committee of Trustees to review the program and make administrative decisions as needed including selecting an individual for the annual scholarship award.

Application Process:

Applicants will submit these documents:

• The completed scholarship application;
• A letter to the Committee of Trustees explaining the applicant’s flight career goals and plans to attain them;
• Two letters of recommendation;
• Copy of FAA medical certification.

The awardee will be furnished with a certificate of award and instructions for invoicing IAPG and reimbursement to the training provider.

Past RECIPIENTS:

• 2025 – Will Baltes, Ames
• 2024 – Cassidy Smith, Newton
• 2023 – Taylor Smith, Knoxville
• 2022 – Macie Arbuckle, Vinton

About Chuck McDonald:

Charles “Chuck” McDonald had a passion for aviation and grew IAPG into an effective non-profit organization providing positive aviation exposure to tens of thousands of Iowans.

Programs included the annual Fly Iowa Air Fair, held at a different Iowa airport each year, the Fly Iowa Challenge, promoting air tourism in Iowa, and aviation rallies that exposed youth and their parents to aviation and the possibilities of aviation careers.

QUESTIONS?

For additional information on Fly Iowa scholarships contact: Dick Westbrook, scholarship@flyiowa.org