The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans pursuing higher education or job training. Since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944, successive generations of veterans have used their education benefits to attend college, graduate school, and vocational training programs.
One training path that many veterans consider is flight school. Aviation training can open up lucrative careers as commercial airline pilots, private pilots, or pilots in the military reserves. However, flight training is expensive, with costs quickly climbing into the tens of thousands of dollars. This is where the GI Bill can help.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using the GI Bill to pay for flight school. We’ll cover:
- GI Bill programs that offer flight training benefits
- Eligibility requirements to use the GI Bill for flight training
- Types of flight training covered
- Payment amounts and caps
- Step-by-step instructions for applying for benefits
Let’s get started!
GI Bill Programs that Offer Flight Training Benefits
The two main GI Bill programs that offer flight training benefits are:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the newest education program for veterans, having gone into effect in 2009. The “Forever GI Bill” removed the 15-year limit on using benefits, so veterans have a lifetime to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The Montgomery GI Bill consists of two programs – one for veterans who served on active duty (MGIB-AD) and one for members of the reserves/National Guard (MGIB-SR).
All three of these GI Bill programs can help pay for flight training under certain conditions, Dependents using the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program are not eligible for flight training
Eligibility Requirements for Flight Training
To qualify for flight training benefits under the GI Bill, you must meet all of these requirements according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
- You must qualify for either the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill based on your military service.
- You must hold a private pilot’s license.
- You must have a valid second-class medical certificate. If pursuing an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, you need a first-class medical certificate.
You cannot start flight training and then try to use the GI Bill retroactively. You must have your pilot’s license and medical certificate before training begins.
Types of Flight Training Covered
Once qualified, the GI Bill will pay for flight training to earn additional pilot certifications and qualifications beyond the private pilot’s license.
Some examples include:
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot license
- Multi-engine rating
- Flight instructor certificate
- Airline transport pilot license
- Type ratings (for specific aircraft models)
- Rotary wing licenses and ratings
Pretty much any advanced flight training can be eligible, as long as it builds upon the private pilot’s license. Recreational, sport, or student pilot training is not covered.
GI Bill Payment Amounts
The amount of money you can receive through the GI Bill depends on which program you use:
Post-9/11 GI Bill
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If enrolled in a college degree program involving flight training, you’ll receive the in-state tuition rate at public schools, or up to $28,937.09 at private schools for 2024-2025.
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If enrolled in vocational flight training, you can receive up to $16,535.46 for 2024-2025.
You are limited to these national caps. Total payments depend on your eligibility percentage and remaining months of entitlement.
Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve)
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MGIB programs issue reimbursements directly to the veteran rather than making payments to the school.
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You’ll be reimbursed for 60% of the approved costs of training under MGIB-AD, or a percentage determined annually under MGIB-SR.
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There are no national caps on total reimbursement amounts.
How to Apply for GI Bill Flight Training Benefits
Follow these key steps to start using your Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill benefits for flight training:
1. Apply for your VA education benefits
Submit an application through the VA’s website, mail, or with assistance from your school’s veterans office.
2. Get acceptance letter from flight school
Once accepted to flight training, obtain an acceptance letter that lists projected flight training costs.
3. Submit flight school letter to VA
Send the flight school’s letter to the VA to confirm your eligibility for benefits.
4. VA issues eligibility letter
The VA will review your case and issue a letter if you are eligible for flight training benefits.
5. Start training and submit paperwork
Begin your flight training. Your school will submit enrollment paperwork to the VA.
6. Receive payments after completing training
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, payments go directly to the school. Under the MGIB, you are reimbursed after completing training.
And that’s it! With proper planning, you can access your earned education benefits to make flight school affordable. The GI Bill opens up fantastic opportunities to begin or advance an exciting aviation career.
Flight Training Using the Montgomery GI Bill
If you are training under the Montgomery GI Bill, the VA will reimburse you for 60% of the approved charges.
NOTE: Flight training is not available under the Dependents Education Assistance program.
Flight Training Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Payment for flight training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill varies depending on the type of flight training you are enrolled in:
- If you are enrolled in a degree program that consists of flight training at a public institution of higher learning, you can be reimbursed up to the resident in-state cost of the training.
- If you are enrolled in a degree program that consists of flight training at a private institution of higher learning, you can be reimbursed up to the full cost of the training or $28,937.09 for the 2024-2025 academic year, whichever is less. An academic year is from Aug. 1 to July 31.
- If you are enrolled in a type of vocational flight training, you can be reimbursed up to the full cost of training or $16,535.46 for the 2024-2025 academic year, whichever is less.
How to Use Your GI Bill to Pay for Flight School
FAQ
Can GI Bill be used for pilot school?
Will VR&E pay for pilot training?
How do most people pay for flight school?
Does GI Bill pay for flight training?
Depending on your specific GI Bill program, you can expect different levels of reimbursement for your flight training: Montgomery GI Bill or REAP: Under these programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse approved flight school students for up to 60% of the approved fees you owe the school for your training.
Can I use my GI Bill for flight school?
As a military veteran, you can use your GI Bill benefits to pursue flight training. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to qualify and utilize your GI Bill for flight school. 1. Determine your GI Bill program. 2. Obtain a statement of benefits. 3. Check flight school eligibility. 4. Have a private pilot’s license. 5.
Does Montgomery GI Bill pay for flight training?
The maximum rate for flight training benefits under Montgomery GI Bill is capped at 60% of the approved charges. VA is filed upon completion electronically, if all documents are in order. VA pays the school directly and refund is processed (normally within two weeks).
Can I use GI Bill benefits for vocational flight training?
You can use GI Bill benefits for vocational flight training or a bachelor’s degree program at a college with an aviation program. If you do attend a vocational flight school, make sure that it is an FAA Part 141 certified school.
Does GI Bill cover pilot training?
When it comes to pilot training, the issues regarding Veterans’ Benefits under either the Post 9 11 GI Bill can be complicated and confusing. First of all, your Chapter 30 GI Bill benefits do not cover any expenses at any flight training school for your private pilot license (the initial step toward a helicopter pilot career).
Can GI Bill funds be used to get a pilot’s license?
GI Bill funds, as mentioned above, cannot be used to obtain the initial pilot’s license, but may be used to obtain training in the following areas depending on the school, the program the accreditation of the program, and other variables: Bachelor’s degree program at a college with an aviation program. FAA Part 141 certified schools.