The Friends of Albert Whited Airport (FOAWA) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Flight and Mechanics Scholarships!

These scholarships are designed to support developing pilots and aviation mechanics, helping them achieve their career goals and contribute to the aviation industry’s future.

Three Flight Scholarship Levels Available

This year, with the help of generous donors across the area, scholarships will be awarded at three levels:

STARTER Scholarships ($1,000)

• Must be between 16 and 24 years old by the application deadline
• Must have no more than 3 hours of logged flight time 

INTERMEDIATE Scholarships ($5,000)

• Must be between 16 and 24 years old by the application deadline
• Must have at least 4 hours logged flight time with a Student Pilot License, working toward a Private Pilot License

ADVANCED Scholarships ($10,000)

• Must be between 17 and 25 years old by the application deadline
• Must have a Private Pilot License, working toward an Instrument, Commercial, or Certified Flight Instructor rating
• Letter of recommendation from a current flight instructor. 

Requirements for all scholarships:

• Must be a US Citizen or have a TSA – FTSP before training can begin, or at the time of application, depending on the level of scholarship.
• Must be a resident of Pinellas Co. resident currently enrolled as a student at a Pinellas Co School.

Additional Information

• FOAWA’s Flight training partner is St Pete Air for all scholarships. All flight training must be done at St. Pete Air. St Pete Air provides reduced rates for scholarship winners.
• Scholarship funds are paid directly to St. Pete Air for the recipient’s flight training up to the limit of the scholarship.
• Prior scholarship recipients who used their scholarship funds may apply for an additional scholarship to further their pursuits in aviation.