National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF)

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship is a prestigious aviation scholarship designed to help undergraduate students begin their professional flight training. Sponsored by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF), the scholarship honors the legacy of Dan L. Meisinger Sr., founder of Executive Beechcraft, by supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.

This annual scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in aviation while recognizing academic achievement, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to becoming a pilot.

Scholarship Summary

Degree Level

The scholarship is available to students enrolled in:

• Undergraduate degree programs

Eligible Subject

Applicants must be studying in the following field:

• Aviation

Scholarship Benefits

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship offers valuable financial and professional support to aspiring pilots.

Recipients will receive:

• A scholarship award of $2,500
• Financial assistance for initial flight training
• Recognition through the National Air Transportation Foundation and aviation publications
• An opportunity to begin professional pilot training with reduced financial pressure
• Increased visibility within the U.S. aviation community

Eligible Nationality

The scholarship is open to:

• Domestic students residing in the United States

Preference may be given to applicants who are residents of:

• Kansas
• Missouri
• Illinois

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited college aviation program.
• Be pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Maintain at least a B average or an equivalent GPA.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in professional flight training.
• Submit a complete application before the published deadline.
• A recommendation from an aviation professional is encouraged but is not mandatory.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Completed scholarship application form
• Appraisal and Endorsement Form
• Official academic transcript
• Recommendation letter (preferred)
• Additional supporting documents requested by NATF

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship:

1. Download the official Appraisal and Endorsement Form.
2. Complete the scholarship application carefully.
3. Attach all required supporting documents.
4. Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
5. Submit your application to the National Air Transportation Foundation before the deadline.
6. Ensure all documents are received by the last Friday in November, as incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Why Apply for the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship?

Flight training can be expensive, making financial assistance essential for many aspiring pilots. This scholarship helps reduce the cost of initial flight instruction while recognizing students with strong academic performance and a passion for aviation. In addition to the monetary award, recipients gain valuable recognition from a respected aviation organization, strengthening their academic and professional profiles for future career opportunities.