The Montgomery GI Bill® covers 60% of approved flight training costs but requires veterans to have a private pilot’s license and a valid second-class medical certificate before starting. It typically doesn't cover housing or books.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, by contrast, provides more comprehensive coverage, including up to $16,535.46 annually for vocational flight training. It can also cover additional expenses like housing and books, with higher benefits available at public colleges.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is generally more favorable for veterans seeking extensive flight training.
You can be reimbursed for 60% of the approved fees charged by your flight school. Additionally, your MGIB entitlement will be charged at a rate of one (1) month for a specific dollar amount paid, which is subject to change annually.
The VA will pay for 60% of the approved charges for flight training. Every $466 that we pay will be equal to 1 month of MGIB-SR benefits.
Enroll in a 4-year college aviation program that includes flight training. Normally the VA doesn't cover the cost of your first step in flight training, a Private Pilot License (PPL). But a 4-year collegiate program can offer PPL to you for free by consuming your entire GI Bill in exchange for 12 months of flight training spread out over four years. You'll receive a tax-free Military Housing Allowance (MHA) from the VA during the school year, but not during your summer breaks. Your GI Bill will not have an annual cap on how much flight training it will cover.
Do not choose Flex Air for this option.
Instead, we recommend you build work experience in a non-aviation job field that will earn supplementary income while you're in college.
Enroll in a 2-year associate or non-degree vocational school program, such as San Diego Miramar College, this will be covered by your GI Bill and will activate your housing allowance. Your first step towards becoming an airline pilot will be to a Private Pilot License (PPL). The GI Bill will not cover the private pilot certificate under this scenario. However, if you use both your GI Bill and VR&E benefits, you'll receive a tax-free Military Housing Allowance (MHA) from the VA. Plus you will earn additional income as a flight instructor in your second year of training. Your GI Bill will only cover the first $16,535.46 of costs per academic year in 2025, but smart use of your VR&E benefit will cover the rest.
The Flex Air SkillBridge Pilot program is the best first step, if you are eligible. You will need to pay $16,000 - $21,000 for your Private Pilot License (PPL), but all other training can be funded by your VA benefits.
The GI Bill® is a valuable assistance program designed to help veterans pay for flight training at VA-approved flight schools. The education benefits provided by the GI Bill® can help pay for your flight instruction, allowing veterans to pursue a career as a professional pilot or airline pilot. This includes coverage for Part 141 flight schools and various certifications required to become a pilot, such as obtaining a commercial pilot’s license.
Yes, you can use your GI Bill® to pay for flight school at a VA-approved institution. The GI Bill® flight training benefits cover tuition, fees, and other approved charges related to your flight training program. This includes programs that help you become a certified flight instructor or obtain advanced certifications, such as the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. If you're looking to pursue pilot training, the GI Bill® is one of the best assistance programs available to veterans.
The GI Bill® covers a range of flight training programs, including those at FAA-certified Part 141 flight schools. Whether you're aiming to become a pilot or an airline pilot, the GI Bill® can be used to pay for training programs that lead to essential certifications, such as a commercial pilot's license or flight instructor certification. Veterans can also use the GI Bill® to pay for pilot training at public colleges offering aviation degrees.
VA education benefits can help pay for flight training by covering a significant portion of the costs associated with flight school. As of the 2025 academic year, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers up to $16,535.46 per year for vocational flight training. This can include tuition, flight instruction, and other expenses, making it more affordable for veterans to pursue a career in aviation. If you're using the Montgomery GI Bill®, specific eligibility requirements apply, such as having a private pilot’s license and a valid second-class medical certificate.
To use your GI Bill® for flight training, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. For the Montgomery GI Bill®, you need a private pilot’s license and a valid medical certification before beginning your program. Additionally, you must have served on active duty for at least 30 continuous days or be a member of the Selected Reserve. Veterans should also ensure that their flight school is VA-approved to make the best use of their education benefits.
Yes, you can use the Montgomery GI Bill® for flight training. This program helps pay for your flight instruction at VA-approved flight schools. Veterans must have a private pilot's license and a second-class medical certificate valid for at least the duration of their training. The Montgomery GI Bill® is a great option for veterans looking to use their education benefits to pursue a career in aviation or become a professional pilot.
The GI Bill® provides veterans with numerous opportunities to pursue careers in aviation, including as airline pilots or certified flight instructors. Education benefits can help pay for advanced certifications, such as the ATP, which is required to fly for major airlines. Veterans who use their GI Bill® flight training benefits can expect to pay significantly less for their education, making a career as a professional pilot more accessible.
To find the best flight school for your GI Bill® benefits, contact the VA or visit their official website for a list of approved programs. These schools must meet VA and FAA standards to qualify for GI Bill® funding. Whether you are pursuing fixed-wing pilot training or another type of flight instruction, it's essential to verify that your chosen school is approved to ensure your education benefits are applied.
The GI Bill® covers a variety of expenses related to flight training. These can include tuition, fees, and flight instruction costs at a VA-approved flight school. Veterans may also receive assistance with additional expenses like flight time or simulator fees. As of the 2025 academic year, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers up to $16,535.46 for vocational training. Veterans using the Montgomery GI Bill® or Chapter 33 should contact the VA to confirm their specific benefits and approved charges.
Yes, the GI Bill® can be used to pay for ATP certification, which is essential for becoming an airline pilot. The ATP is one of the most advanced certifications in aviation, and VA education benefits can help cover the costs of obtaining it. Veterans pursuing this certification should ensure they are attending a VA-approved flight school and understand the cap on annual benefits, such as the $15,497.15 limit for vocational training.
Veterans who complete GI Bill® flight training have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. These include becoming a commercial airline pilot, certified flight instructor, or other professional roles in aviation. The education benefits provided by the GI Bill® make it possible for veterans to pursue advanced certifications and gain the flight time needed for these careers. Additionally, veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for further assistance without a break in their education.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill