The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 has been passed by Congress and will allow veterans who have served three years on active duty since 9/11/2001 to receive funding for educational programs including flight training, certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and correspondence training. Previously such funding was only available for programs at institutions of higher learning (e.g. universities, colleges etc.), which did not include flight schools, Part 141 or otherwise, that were not associated with a qualifying institution.
The bill provides that the maximum amount of assistance paid on behalf of a veteran enrolled in a flight training program would be the lesser of $10,000 annually or the actual cost of in-state tuition and fees. Flight training courses must be approved by the FAA, and be offered by a “a certified pilot school that possesses a valid FAA pilot school certificate” (e.g. a Part 141 certified flight training facility). Assuming funding is authorized for the Act, educational benefits would become available to eligible veterans in August 2011.
Hopefully this will provide more opportunities for eligible veterans and will help increase student enrollment for Part 141 flight schools.
