Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn To Fly Scholarship 2026

Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn To Fly Scholarship 2026 – $2,500 for Aspiring Aviators

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship is a prestigious award established by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) in honor of Dan L. Meisinger Sr., a pioneer whose 63-year aviation career included founding Executive Beechcraft and being named Beech Aircraft's Man of the Year twice.

This $2,500 scholarship is designed to support initial or primary flight training for qualified individuals. For more opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the scholarship:

• Be a college student currently enrolled in an aviation program

• Be a high academic achiever with a "B" average or better

• Be recommended by an aviation professional, although direct applications are acceptable

• Residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois will be given preference

Award Amount

The scholarship provides $2,500 to be used exclusively for initial or primary flight training. One award is granted annually.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is the last Friday in November. For the 2026 cycle, this date is November 27, 2026.

How to Apply

Interested students must complete an application and submit it along with the required documents by the deadline. Applicants must download the Appraisal and Endorsement Form before beginning the application process, as this is required to complete the online application. Applications not including the required documents will not be considered.

Recipient Notification

Recipients will be notified in writing by the end of April, and all other applicants will be notified by mid-May. Scholarship recipients are announced to the public in general aviation publications such as the Aviation Business Journal and featured on the NATF website.

Payment of Scholarships

The scholarship check will be made payable jointly to the recipient and the applicable flight school (and must be endorsed by both). Checks will be mailed to the recipient's address stipulated on the scholarship acknowledgement form.

Obligations

Recipients are required to supply copies of pertinent training records and to notify NATF of any changes of address, school enrollment, or other relevant information. Tax liability, if any, will be the sole responsibility of the recipient.

Additional Information

Questions regarding the scholarship program should be emailed to safety1st@nata.aero.

For a broader view of funding options in North America, refer to financial aids for students in North America.

Final Thoughts

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for college students in aviation programs to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot. With a $2,500 award and preference given to residents of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, this scholarship honors a legacy of excellence in aviation.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your application early and submit it before the November 27, 2026 deadline. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in the United States, see the list of all open scholarships in USA.

Apply Now for Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship