FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program | NG AWP 25 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for NG AWP 25 002

The FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help grow the pipeline of future aviation professionals. For FY 2026, the program is focused on attracting and preparing new aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators across the United States and U.S. territories. A notable requirement is that 20 percent of the total funding awarded under this program will be reserved to carry out the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program, which signals a dedicated investment in aviation education initiatives tied to that program.

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: NG AWP 25 002; CFDA/Assistance Listing: 20.111) provides grant funding for workforce development activities that strengthen access to aviation training and careers. While the notice does not spell out specific project types in the excerpt provided, the stated purpose suggests competitive proposals will typically center on recruitment, education, training, and career pathway development for pilots and UAS operators, potentially including outreach, curriculum and program support, partnerships with industry or schools, and other efforts designed to bring more people into aviation career tracks.

Eligibility is broad across the aviation ecosystem, but it is limited to organizations rather than individuals. Eligible applicants include: (a) air carriers as defined in 49 U.S.C. 40102; (b) entities holding management specifications under 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart K; (c) accredited institutions of higher education, postsecondary vocational institutions, and high schools or secondary schools (as defined in federal education statutes); (d) flight schools providing flight training under 14 CFR Part 61 or certificated pilot schools under 14 CFR Part 141; (e) labor organizations representing professional aircraft pilots; (f) qualifying aviation-related nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and tax exemption under 501(a); and (g) state, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entities. The notice explicitly states that individuals are not eligible to apply under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

In terms of funding scale and timing, the FAA expects to make about 13 awards, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000 per award. The opportunity was created on 2026-05-19, and the original application closing date is 2026-06-22. The funding activity category is Transportation, and the awarding agency is listed as FAA - Aviation Next Gen.

• The FAA - Aviation Next Gen in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.111.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 13 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for NG AWP 25 002

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