Flight Training

Flight training is available for such programs as:

  • Rotary wing qualification
  • B747-400 Qualification
  • Dual engine Qualification
  • Flight engineer
Qualification Requirements

In order to qualify, you must have a private pilot's license and valid medical certification before beginning training. Payments are issued after the training is completed and the school submits your enrollment information to us.

Not available under the Dependents' Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35).

Payment Amounts

While the participation requirements are the same for all GI Bill programs, the payment amount varies depending on the GI Bill program you are utilizing, and the type of Flight School you are attending. (Payments are issued after the training is completed and the school submits the information to the VA.)

Flight training under Montgomery GI Bill or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

If you are training under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP we will reimburse you for 60% of the approved charges.

Click here for payment information by benefit program.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Payments for flight training vary based on which type of flight training course and what kind of school you are enrolled in:

  • If you are enrolled in a degree program that consists of flight training at a public Institution of Higher Learning you can be reimbursed up to the public school in-state cost of the training, and receive a monthly housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend.
  • If you are enrolled in a degree program that consists of flight training at a private Institution of Higher Learning you can be reimbursed up to the full cost of the training or the national maximum (currently $18,077.50) per academic year, whichever is less. You may also receive a monthly housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend. The Yellow Ribbon Program may apply for those enrolled in degree programs. Click here to learn more and see if your school participates.
  • If you are enrolled in a vocational flight training program you can be reimbursed the lesser of (1) the full cost of training or (2) the annual maximum amount (click here to see the annual maximum amount) in effect the day you began training in your flight course. You will not receive a housing allowance or the books and supplies stipend. The maximum amount available for reimbursement depends on the academic year you begin training.
    • For example, if you enroll in a dual-engine certification course that costs $15,000 on November 1, 2012. You can receive a maximum of $10,330 for that course and any other flight training (programs leading to your dual-engine certification, or other certification) that begin before August 1, 2013. Additional flight training courses that begin on or after August 1, 2013 will be subject to a new annual limit. Remember, these amounts could be further limited by your eligibility percentage