06/08/2026
News from USDOT-
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a $26 million investment to support the next generation of aviation professionals through the Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program. The investments will strengthen the workforce pipeline for the aerospace industry–from mechanics and technicians to pilots and drone operators.
Applications are due by June 18, 2026.
The FAA’s investment will go towards:
• Aviation training programs to equip future pilots with technical skills
• Aviation apprenticeships and internships to provide new pilots with hands-on experience
• Proactive student outreach to bolster recruitment numbers
• Training future pilots using state-of-the-art tools like simulators
“More Americans are flying today than ever before! At USDOT, we are investing in our aviation workforce to meet growing demand while maintaining the highest standards of safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “We have the safest airspace in the world thanks to our commitment to equipping our talented workforce with the tools and experience they need to take flight.”
“More Americans are taking to the skies and demand for skilled aviation workers continues to grow,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These new funding opportunities support education and training programs that help build a strong pipeline of talent and invest in the future of America’s aviation workforce.”
Available Grant Programs:
• Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants
• Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include schools, aviation organizations, aviation-related nonprofit organizations, air carriers, labor groups, and state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments.
How to Apply:
Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and apply directly on Grants.gov using the links below:
• Apply for Pilot Grants (Grants.gov)
• Apply for Maintenance Worker Grants (Grants.gov)
The FAA encourages eligible organizations to share this opportunity with their networks and consider how these grants can support aviation workforce development efforts in their communities. Together, we can help build and sustain the next generation of aviation professionals supporting the safest and most complex airspace system in the world.
April Rowe
Technical Advisor
Southern Region (A*O)
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
(404) 305-5003
[email protected]
