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Flight training

Find out how your VA education benefits can help pay for flight training to advance your pilot qualifications.

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for flight training?

You may be eligible for flight training benefits if you meet all of these requirements.

All of these must be true:

  • You qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill, and
  • You have a private pilot’s license, and
  • You have a second-class medical certificate valid for second-class privileges—or a first-class medical certificate if you want to pursue the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

Note: You can’t qualify for flight training benefits through Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).

What benefits can I get?

This depends on the VA benefit program you use and other factors.

If you use the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.

Check the current payment rates for MGIB-AD

Learn about MGIB-AD

If you use the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

We’ll pay you back for some of the approved fees your flight school charges.

Check the current payment rates for MGIB-SR

Learn about MGIB-SR

If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Your payment depends on 3 factors:

  • Your level of eligibility based on how long you served on active duty after September 10, 2001, and
  • How much entitlement you have left for school or training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and
  • The program and type of school you’re enrolled in (whether you’re enrolled in a vocational school, or a degree program at a private or public college or university) 

Check the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Find out if you’re eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Check the status of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

What kinds of qualifications can I get through flight training?

You can get the following qualifications:

  • Rotary wing
  • B747-400
  • Dual engine
  • Flight engineer

How do I get these benefits?

You’ll need to apply for benefits.

Apply for education benefits