Scholarship Information

The Pajaro Valley Aviation Academy will be awarding scholarships up to $4000 to local students aged 16-25. Scholarships will be offered in the following training areas:

• Basic Flight Training (Private Pilot Certificate)

• Advanced Flight Training (Instrument, Commercial, CFI/CFII)

• Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics Ratings

• Other aviation related fields may be considered by the Board of Directors.

General Eligibility:

• The applicant must be in good health, with no medically disqualifying conditions which would prevent the applicant from pursuing and completing the training program and have a current FAA Medical Certificate appropriate to the rating sought. Required Medical Certificates must be obtained from a Federal Aviation Administration Designated Medical Examiner.

• The applicant must have completed the FAA written exam appropriate to the rating being sought.  

• The applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States of America, and must provide one of the following documents as proof: US passport, birth certificate, alien registration card, or naturalization/citizenship certificate.

• The applicant must permanently reside in the Pajaro Valley or in Santa Cruz County, within one of the following zip codes:

  • 95076 - Watsonville

  • 95019 - Freedom

  • 95004 - Aromas

  • 95039 - Moss Landing

  • Any zip code in Santa Cruz County

• The applicant must be between 16 and 25 years of age when the scholarship application is received by the PVAA.

• The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English (as required by FAA Regulations.)

• The applicant must have at least an introductory flight instruction flight logged.

• Applications must be post marked or emailed by the application deadline.

Specific Requirements to Each Rating/License :

Note : All applicants are encouraged to apply to the PVAA Scholarship even if they do not meet all the requirements at the time of submission. Exceptions can be made, and if accepted for a scholarship, funds will be withheld until the selectee fulfills the remaining requirements. Selectees are subject to progression requirements per discretion of the board. Applicants should explicitly state in their application, preferably on the personal essay, an acknowledgement stating their awareness that they do not currently meet all requirements. 

• Basic Flight Training (Private Pilot License)

  • Initial discovery flight completed

  • Written exam completed

  • 3rd class or higher medical certificate obtained

  • Initial Solo Flight achieved prior to scholarship funds being disbursed

• Instrument Rating

  • IRA Written exam completed

  • 35 Hours of combined simulated/actual instrument time 

  • Cross Country requirements completed (50hr XC PIC, 250nm XC)

• Commercial Pilot License 

  • CPL Written exam completed 

  • 230 hours or greater

  • Cross-Country requirements completed (300nm, 100nm Day & Night)

• CFI/CFII

  • Written exams completed

  • Further requirements such as checkride dates or training progress subject to board discretion 

Terms:

• Application deadlines are: March 31st and September 30th.  Applications must be postmarked or emailed to the PVAA by March 31st to be considered for the spring scholarship award and by September 30th to be considered for the fall scholarship award. Applicants are invited to submit applications at any time of the year even if they meet all the requirements at time of submission.

• Scholarship recipients will be assigned a PVAA mentor who will monitor their progress at regular intervals, and reviews may be conducted at any time the board desires to assess the recipient's progress toward completion of the training. Recipients are expected to begin their training within 3 months of being awarded a scholarship, otherwise their award will be up for review. 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 or education facility which is conducting the training. It is expected the training takes place within Santa Cruz County in order to uphold the mission of providing impactful opportunities locally unless circumstances prevent it and with board approval. Payment for training (to flight schools or education facilities) will be on the (pay as you go) basis, with continued payment contingent on the progress of the scholarship recipient.

• Recipients of a scholarship must have successfully completed the required FAA written exam and passed an FAA 3rd class medical or greater before funds will be disbursed.

Application Guidelines:

The application must be completed in full using the form available below. Please print legibly. Upon completion, mail one copy of:

• The application form.

• Proof of citizenship or legal residence and age: US passport, birth certificate, alien registration card, or naturalization/citizenship certificate.

• Proof of residence:  current utility bill, current lease agreement, or bank statement with current address.  

• Personal essay (requirements described below.)

• No more or less than three letters of recommendation.

• Education Transcripts (High School and College, appropriate to the experience of the applicant.)

• Budget of financial requirements and time line you expect to complete training.

Mail to:

The Pajaro Valley Aviation Academy

Scholarship Committee

60 Aviation Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

Or Email:

pajarovalleyaviation@gmail.com

The applications will be judged in the following areas:

• Activities in and commitment to aviation

• Ability to reach stated goals

• Personal essay

• Letters of Recommendation

• Interview with Scholarship committee

• Financial need

Instructions on Additional Documentation Required:

• 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 & Written Exam:  Applicants should provide a copy of their medical certificate and FAA written exam report appropriate to the rating being sought with the application materials.  

Application: