The Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship is the newest addition to the National Air Transportation Foundation's (NATF) scholarship program. The scholarship is offered to a college or university student continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

The scholarship is named after Richard L. Taylor, Associate Professor Emeritus, and for 22 years a member of the Aviation Department at the Ohio State University. The last seven of those years he held the position of Director of Flight Operations and Education. Professor Taylor is the award-winning author of 14 aviation books including Instrument Flying, IFR for VFR Pilots and Understanding Flying. Professor Taylor's vision, insight and drive helped expand flight education and training at Ohio State. His distinctive leadership fostered extensive opportunities for aviation students to further their careers as professional pilots.

Eligibility

Applicants of the Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship must be:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university
  • Be enrolled in a flight program through the college/university with aspirations to become a professional pilot (general or commercial aviation)
  • Have a private pilot's license - a copy must be included in application the packet
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. (Applicant must submit an official transcript)
  • Complete the official application
  • Be a senior in high school planning a career in the general aviation field

Awards 

The Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship, in the amount of $1,500, is to be used for one year of full-time undergraduate study. One award will be granted each year.

Application

Interested students must complete an application and submit it along with the following required documents NO LATER than the last Friday in March.

  • Copy of applicant's pilots license
  • Essay discussing aviation goals and dreams, as well as why the applicant should receive this scholarship
  • If applying as an incoming college freshman, include:
    • Official high school transcript
    • Acceptance letter from the college/university at which the applicant will be attending
  • If applying while enrolled in college/university, include:
    •  Unofficial college/university transcript showing a 3.0 or greater GPA

All information received becomes the property of NATF, is considered confidential, and is reviewed only by the screening committee and NATF officials.

Recipient Notification

Recipients will be notified in writing by the end of May and all other applicants will be notified in writing by mid-June. Our scholarship recipients are announced to the public in issues of general aviation publications, such as our Aviation Business Journal and also featured on our website.

Payment of Scholarships

The Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship checks will be made payable jointly to the recipient and their college/university (and must be endorsed by both). The scholarship checks will be mailed to each recipient's address stipulated on the scholarship acknowledgement form.

Obligations

Recipients are required to supply copies of pertinent records and to notify NATF of any changes of address, school enrollment or other relevant information. Except as described here, no obligation is assumed by NATF, members of its scholarship selection committee or the National Air Transportation Association. Tax liability, if any, will be the sole responsibility of the recipient.

Revisions

NATF reserves the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship and to make changes at any time, including termination, of the scholarship program. Previously approved scholarships will not be affected by subsequent changes to the program.

Additional Information

Questions regarding the scholarship program should be emailed to safety1st@nata.aero