SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

• Basic Flight Training (Private Pilot License)
• Advanced Flight Training (Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Helicopter Ratings)
• Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics Ratings
• Other aviation related fields may be considered by the Board of Directors.

• The applicant must be in good health, with no medically disqualifying conditions which would prevent the applicant from pursuing and completing the training program. The advanced flight rating applicant must have a current medical certificate appropriate to the rating sought. Required Medical Certificates must be obtained from a Federal Aviation Administration Designated Medical Examiner.
• The applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States of America, and must provide documentation demonstrating citizenship or legal residency and age.
• The applicant must permanently reside in the Pajaro Valley within one of the following zip codes:
  • 95076 - Watsonville (Includes Corralitos, La Selva Beach, Las Lomas, Pajaro, and Royal Oaks)
  • 95019 - Freedom
  • 95004 - Aromas
  • 95039 - Moss Landing
• The applicant must be between 16 and 25 years of age when the scholarship application is received by us.
• The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English (as required by FAA Regulations.)
• Applications must be post marked by the application deadline

• Application deadlines are: March 31^st and September 30^th.
• The progress of the scholarship recipient will be monitored at regular intervals, and reviews may be conducted at anytime the board so desires to assess the recipient's progress toward completion of the training. If the recipient's progress is not acceptable, funding may be discontinued. However, special circumstances will be considered. Review may include logbook or transcript evaluation and verbal or written interviews with instructors, teachers, administrators and the scholarship recipient.
• The scholarships will be paid directly to the flight school, independent flight instructor, or education facility which is conducting the training. Payment for training (to flight schools, instructors, or education facilities) will be paid on an advance installment basis, with continued payment contingent on the progress of the scholarship recipient.
• Recipients of a Private Pilot scholarship must have successfully completed the required FAA written exam before any cross country flying will be approved.
• Applicants for an Instrument rating must have logged a minimum of 100 hours of cross country flight time with at least 50 hours as Pilot in Command before they will be considered for a scholarship.

• The application form.
• Proof of citizenship or legal residence and age.
• Personal essay (requirements described below.)
• No more or less than three letters of recommendation.
• Education Transcripts (High School and College, appropriate to experience of applicant.)
• Budget of financial requirements and time line you expect to complete training.

• Activities in and commitment to aviation
• Ability to reach stated goals
• Financial need
• Personal essay
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview with Scholarship committee

• Personal Essay:  In no more than 500 words, typewritten and double spaced, address the following topics:
• Your personal interests; general goals, career goals, and aviation goals.
• Any special qualifications you may have to pursue these goals.
• What sparked your initial interest in aviation.
• What aviation related activities you have participated in (including employment) that mean the most to you.
• How this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
• Any obstacles you had to overcome to start and/or continue in flying.
• How will you contribute to the aviation community in the future.
• Letters of Recommendation:  Submit three; at least two must be from a person knowledgeable about your interest or achievements in aviation. One letter from a teacher, instructor, or person of similar authority, demonstrating the applicant's dedication and ability to complete a rigorous academic program is encouraged. None may be from a family member.
• Medical Certificate:  Scholarship applicants seeking an advanced rating will provide a copy of their medical certificate appropriate to the rating being sought with the application materials.  Scholarship recipients  seeking a private pilot certificate will be conditionally awarded a scholarship prior to completing a medical exam.  Recipients of the scholarship will receive the medical exam at the expense of the Pajaro Valley Aviation Academy. Currently the PVAA is using the services of Dr. Charles Eldridge in Santa Cruz. A scholarship recipient may obtain a medical exam using another Federal Aviation Administration Designated Examiner at their expense. A partial list of local Federal Aviation Administration Designated Examiners is available by clicking HERE. A failure to pass the FAA required medical exam will result in a denial of the scholarship. A medically disqualified scholarship recipient may petition the FAA for a medical waiver in accordance with standard FAA practice, and then re-apply to the PVAA for the scholarship desired.