The Benjamin L. Ellison Pilot Scholarship

Three scholarships at $14,000 are available to support youth wishing to experience the joys of flight through training that leads to solo and possibly earning a private pilot certificate.

Eligibility Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of, or concurrently enrolled in a Private Pilot Ground School course, either through The Museum of Flight, a flight school, or online provider
• Be a U.S. citizen residing in the state of Washington.
• Must be a high school student at least 16½ years of age (as of March 1, 2025) who has not yet started their senior year.
• Have participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight, for example, Western Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Teen Volunteers, Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
• At the time of application, scholarship applicant must begin process of obtaining FAA third-class medical certificate. We recommend beginning by signing up for a free student membership with the AOPA and then get a free consultation to discuss the process of obtaining a FAA Medical Certificate and for guidance related to any health-related concerns: Student Membership – AOPA . If offered the scholarship, applicant must be able to obtain a medical certificate in accordance with FAA medical standards. Distribution of funds is contingent upon obtaining an FAA medical. Recipients will have three (3) weeks from the date the scholarship is offered to obtain at least an FAA third-class medical.
• Recipient must participate in the Museum’s Flight Mentoring Club, which meets at least once a month.
• On a monthly basis, recipients must be willing to update The Museum of Flight of their flight training status.
• Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend a Pre-Training Workshop via Zoom on March 25, 2025.
• Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the virtual Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 8, 2025.
• Applicant and parent/guardian must read companion document, Flight Training Fundamentals, and parent/guardian must give permission for the student to participate in flight training and also provide dedicated support through the process.
• Exhibit a genuine passion for aviation and aerospace, including goals that include pursuing an education and career pathway directly connected to the aviation and aerospace industries
• Demonstrated self-motivation to attain goals
• Track record of being able to successfully work independently as well as collaboratively
• Strong work ethic and academic aptitude and achievement, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; applicants with a 3.0 to 3.49 GPA may be given consideration based on extenuating circumstances

General Scholarship Information:

• Scholarship funds may be used for a flight training program which utilizes a formal syllabi, subject to Museum of Flight approval.
• Scholarship funds may be used only for the following expenses related to authorized flight training program: aircraft rental/fuel, simulator fees, flight instructor fees, rental insurance, and equipment (e.g., books, headset, kneeboard, etc.), subject to Museum of Flight approval.
• Scholarship funds will be distributed by way of a “pay as you go” method (not a lump-sum allocation):
  – $8000 for stage 1
  – $4000 (plus stage 1 balance) for stage 2
  – $2000 (plus stage 2 balance) for stage 3
• Applicants are solely responsible for all applicable taxes as a scholarship recipient.
• Scholarship recipients with plans to access flight training at a regional flight school are expected to spend / exhaust authorized expenses within 12 months of receipt of scholarship. Recommended timeline for flight training:
  – Begin flight training in spring 2025;
  – Continue flight training at rate of three to four sessions per week through summer 2025; and,
  – Complete check-ride by end of calendar year 2025.

Two essays are required as part of the Benjamin L. Ellison Pilot Scholarship

• A 350-word response to the question: After researching the scholarship sponsor, Benjamin L. Ellison, founder and owner of Ellison Fluid Systems, describe how the traits and characteristics that define his career and passion for aviation are reflected in you. Be sure to address the traits exhibited by Mr. Ellison as well as how these apply to you.
• An essay of no more than 1,000 words that addresses why you want to fly and how this scholarship will support your career goal. Please provide details about when you became interested in flying and what you have done over the years to further develop your interest and knowledge of aviation.