529 Plan for Flight Training: Use 529 funds for Flight School

Yes, you can use your 529 savings plan to become a pilot with Flex Air! We're here to walk you through every step.

If you're a parent or student wondering whether your 529 College Savings Plan can help fund flight training, you're not alone. And here's the good news: the answer is yes — if you follow the right process and choose a qualifying program like the Career Pilot Pathway at Flex Air.

If you're a career-switcher looking to make a move into your next career as a professional pilot, the 529 plan offers tax-advantaged capital gains as you save up for your flight training and, depending on what state you reside in, you might get additional income tax deductions as well.

Let’s walk you through how to get your 529 plan to say “yes” — with step-by-step guidance, real examples, and insider tips from a flight school that helped shape the legislation itself.

529 Plan Flex Air

Can I Use My 529 Plan for Flight School and Aviation Training?

Yes — if your training program meets one of two tests:

According to the IRS and the new law (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 70414), your 529 funds can now be used for certain postsecondary credentialing programs. That includes:

Training programs offered by institutions listed in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WEAMS database
Programs that prepare students for a recognized industry credential or licensing exam

That second part is key — because even non-college programs (like flight schools!) are now eligible… if they prep you for an exam recognized by employers and the FAA.

At Flex Air, you have two pathways to qualify to use 529 funds for pilot training.

Use Your 529 Plan to Pay for Flight Training at Flex Air's Part 141 Flight School

FAA Part 141 Flight School at OJC (Olathe, KS)

Listed in WEAMS — Facility code: 26000116
Found by searching “Flex Air” in the GI-Bill comparison tool
Meets 529 criteria as a VA-recognized postsecondary program

Use Your 529 Plan to Pay for Flight School with Flex Air's Part 61 Flight Training

FAA Part 61 Flight School at MHK (Manhattan, KS) and MYF (San Diego, CA)

All Other Locations (Part 61)

Prepares you for FAA-recognized industry exams, including:
- Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)
- Flight Instructor - Instrument (FII)
- Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
- Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) Practical Exams
Culminates in qualifications required for paid pilot employment

After completing these, graduates work as CFIs, gain flight hours, and typically progress to commercial pilot roles earning $90,000+ annually.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Your 529 Funds at Flex Air

Here’s a simple walkthrough you can follow — and we’re happy to help at every step:

Step 1: Check With Your Plan Administrator

Call or email your 529 provider and ask:

“Can I use my funds for a flight training program that meets federal 529 eligibility under Public Law 119-21, Section 70414?”

Step 2: Request Documentation from Flex Air

We’ll provide:

Enrollment verification
Invoice showing training costs
Statement confirming credential-based eligibility (e.g. exams you’ll be prepared for)

Step 3: Submit Documents to Your Custodian

Send the invoice and letter to your 529 provider. Ask them to confirm disbursement timeline and pay-to address.

Step 4: Funds Are Released

Once approved, your 529 funds are sent directly to you or Flex Air according to your fund manager's rules. At Flex Air we can accommodate either approach.

Notional timeline:

Approval process: 2–4 weeks
Funds disbursed: 7–10 business days after approval

“What If My 529 Plan Provider Says No?”

It happens — but it’s usually because they aren’t familiar with the new rules. Here’s what to do:

Share the Legal Reference

Public Law 119-21, Section 70414: This section expands the definition of “qualified higher education expenses” to include credentialing programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials.

Explain the Two Eligibility Tests

Even non-college programs qualify if they:

Appear in the VA’s WEAMS database (like Flex Air’s Part 141 at OJC), OR
Prepare you for a recognized industry exam (like Flex Air's Pilot Pathway or CFI Academy)

Ask for a Review

Request that your plan’s legal or compliance team review the eligibility tests outlined above.

And of course, contact the Flex Air support crew if you need a customized letter or explanation to help move things along.

What About Other Financing Options?

529 plans are just one tool. At Flex Air, we offer a flexible stack of payment options, including:

Pilot Pathway loans
- Covers the full $95,000–$115,000 program cost
- Repayment terms designed for pilots on a training budget
Pay-As-You-Go or Monthly Plans
- Combine with 529 funding to lower loan amounts

🔗 Learn more about financing your flight training

Real Talk from Real Parents

“Thanks for all your hard work on this, it's much appreciated!”
— Pilot Dad u/Fit_Ship_5689, Reddit

Flex Air's senior leadership are also board members at the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), a non-profit advocacy organization that was instrumental in making these changes. Families across the country are making it happen — and you can too.

Helpful Resources

Let’s Get You to the Flight Line

Whether you’re starting fresh or switching careers, using your 529 plan at Flex Air is now a real, legal, and achievable path. We’re one of the few flight schools with the know-how to help — and we’re ready to support your journey every step of the way.

Need help getting started?
📩 Email support@goflexair.com or 📞 Contact us