Dream of flying?
We’ll fund your wings. The Speedway Flight Training Scholarship covers 100% of your FAA Private Pilot Certificate costs—so you can soar toward a professional aviation career.
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Opening Doors for Aspiring Pilots
We’re dedicated to removing financial barriers for ambitious high school students. Our scholarship funds flight training, mentorship, and FAA certification, empowering you to enroll in college aviation programs and pursue advanced certifications.
(FAA Knowledge Test) Take Control
(First Solo Flight) Earn Your Wings
(Private Pilot Certification)
Progressive Award Structure & Program Requirements
A three-phase aviation training program designed to guide high-potential students to earn their FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Each phase builds on the previous, ensuring readiness and competence before progressing.
Phase One: FAA Knowledge Test Preparation
Successful applicants will receive FAA-approved study materials, personalized instructional support, and coverage of all exam fees. To advance to Phase Two, recipients must pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test with a score of at least 80% by the scholarship award expiration date, with up to three attempts.
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FAA-approved study materials
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Personalized instructional support
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All fees required to take the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam
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Pass the Knowledge Test with ≥80% by award expiration (3 attempts)
Phase Two: First Solo Flight
Upon passing the knowledge exam, recipients will receive aircraft rental, ground school, and flight instruction at Atlanta Speedway Airport in Hampton, GA.
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Aircraft rental and flight instruction provided
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Conducted by Speedway Flight Training, LLC at Atlanta Speedway Airport
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Solo flight must occur within 15 logged hours
Phase Three: Private Pilot Certification
Once the first solo is completed, students will receive continued aircraft rental and instruction, with coverage of final certification testing fees.
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Coverage of checkride examiner fees for first attempt
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Up to 50 funded flight hours (plus 10 exceptional)
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Completion of FAA Private Pilot Certificate requirements
Requirements
Eligibility & Program Requirements
To ensure the safety, success, and professionalism of all recipients, the following conditions apply:
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to high school juniors and seniors who are college-bound and planning on enrolling in an aviation degree program
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Must be at least 16 years old by the time of solo flight and 19 by certification
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Prepared to identify the college or university they plan to attend
Testing & Certifications
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Pass a DOT-standard drug test before receiving Phase One materials
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Obtain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate before beginning Phase Two
Code of Conduct
Violation of this pledge may result in immediate termination of the scholarship and loss of any remaining benefits.
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Pledge to remain drug and alcohol-free
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Pledge to follow all traffic laws and regulations while operating a motor vehicle
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Violation may result in immediate termination of the scholarship and loss of remaining benefits
Transportation & Attendance
Three or more no-shows may result in the forfeiture of the scholarship.
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Students are responsible for transportation to and from Atlanta Speedway Airport
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Students and a parent/guardian must sign a release of liability waiver before Phase Two
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Timeliness and professionalism are expected
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Arrive at least 15 minutes early for all scheduled lessons
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Cancel any session at least 24 hours in advance (3 no-shows may forfeit scholarship)
Details
Award Details & Terms
This all-inclusive scholarship covers every step of your Private Pilot Certificate journey. Review what's included, how the phased program works, and important terms for recipients.
Phase One Award – Training Materials
Each Phase One recipient will receive the Gleim Aviation Deluxe Private Pilot Kit with Audio Review—a comprehensive, Part 141-approved learning package designed to support success on the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Kit includes:
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Gleim Online Ground School for Private Pilot (Part 141-approved)
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FAA Test Prep Online - Private Pilot
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Private Pilot Audio Review
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FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual)
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Pilot Logbook
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Pilot Handbook
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Flight Plotter
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E6B Flight Computer
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Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide & ACS (Airman Certification Standards)
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Private Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep
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FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test Book
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Private Pilot Syllabus
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Private Pilot Training Record Book
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Online Aviation Communications Course
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Security-Related Airspace Course
Phase Two & Three Awards – Flight Training
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Flight instruction and aircraft rental for Phases Two and Three will be provided by Speedway Flight Training, LLC, located at Atlanta Speedway Airport, Hampton, GA.
Testing Fees
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FAA Knowledge and Checkride Examiner Fees for first attempt covered
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Retake or retest fees after failure are the recipient’s responsibility
Program Duration & Extensions
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All flight training and certification must be completed within 18 months of the initial award notification or before the start of the recipient’s freshman year of college, whichever comes first.
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Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but are not guaranteed.
General Terms
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This scholarship has no cash value
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The Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund will make all payments directly to product and service providers.
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No funds will be distributed directly to recipients under any circumstances.
Partnerships
Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund & Full Throttle Formation Team
The Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund is proud to partner with the Full Throttle Formation Team, an organization dedicated to inspiring future aviators through precision flying and airshow performances across the country. United by a shared belief that financial barriers should never limit aviation dreams, this partnership helps expand access to flight training for aspiring pilots. Through their support and outreach, the Full Throttle Formation Team plays a vital role in educating, motivating, and opening doors for the next generation of aviation professionals, strengthening the future of the industry one pilot at a time.
Scholarship recipients
Meet our
inaugural class.
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First Speedway Flight Training Scholarship recipients, now in the air
My name is Angel-Bright Wenja, and I am an aspiring airline pilot from Cameroon. My passion for aviation began when I saw an airplane on a television show as a child. Years later, my first flight from Cameroon to the United States sparked a deep interest in aviation. Since then, I have been determined to turn my dream of becoming a pilot into reality.
For a long time, flight training seemed like an impossible dream due to the financial challenges involved. However, receiving the Speedway Flight Training Scholarship has brought me one step closer to achieving that dream. Being one of the inaugural scholarship awardees is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion.
Outside of aviation, I enjoy community service, content creation, and business. I am passionate about giving back to my community and exploring my entrepreneurial interests. I hope my journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.
I am excited to keep soaring in this chapter of my aviation journey and look forward to one day becoming an airline pilot.
Angel-Bright Wenja
Inaugural scholarship recipient · Aspiring airline pilot from Cameroon
Awards
Speedway Scholarship Awards
Walt and Mary Scholarship Award
This award recognizes the generosity and support of Walt and Mary toward the Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund. It honors Walt’s memory, his gentle spirit, and his belief in the potential of anyone willing to work hard to achieve their goals in this country.
Walt exemplified these values as an immigrant from Bogotá, Colombia. Through discipline, honesty, and determination, he built a successful auto sales business while earning a reputation for his kindness and dedication to helping others. His legacy lives on through this award, his loving family, and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Delta A330 Line Check Pilot and Instructor Award
The Delta A330 Line Check Pilot and Instructor Award honors the many Delta Air Lines A330 Line Check Pilots and Instructor Pilots who have generously supported the Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund.
Coming from diverse aviation backgrounds, these professional aviators share a common goal: paying forward the opportunities they have received from Delta and the aviation industry. Through their support, they help open the door to aviation careers for aspiring pilots who need financial and educational assistance to succeed.
Speedway Flight Training Award
The Speedway Flight Training Award recognizes the commitment of the owners of Speedway Flight Training, who provide below-cost flight training for all Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund award recipients.
This support plays a vital role in making professional flight training more accessible. By reducing the financial barrier to training, Speedway helps ensure that the scholarship fund can continue to provide opportunities, mentorship, and career pathways for aspiring aviators for many years to come.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, training, and program requirements.
- Who is eligible to apply?
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College-bound high school juniors and seniors with financial need and a passion for aviation. Awards are granted regardless of race, gender, or religious background.
- What are the age requirements?
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You must be 16 by your solo flight (Phase Two) and 19 by your certification before completing your Private Pilot Certificate (Phase Three).
- What does the scholarship cover?
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All costs for your FAA Private Pilot Certificate: study materials, flight hours (up to 50), FAA exam fees, and mentorship. No cash is distributed directly.
- What happens if I fail the FAA Knowledge Test?
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You get 3 attempts within 60 days.
- What is the Code of Conduct?
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Recipients pledge to stay drug/alcohol-free and follow all traffic laws. Violations result in immediate scholarship termination.
- Do I need to pass a drug test?
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Yes—a DOT-standard drug test is required before starting Phase One.
- Can I get an extension beyond 18 months?
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Extensions are rare and reviewed case-by-case. All training must finish before your college freshman year.
- Who pays for transportation to Atlanta Speedway Airport?
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Students arrange their own transportation.
- What happens if I miss a flight lesson?
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Cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Three no-shows may forfeit your scholarship.
- What materials are included in Phase One?
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The Gleim Aviation Deluxe Private Pilot Kit, including online ground school, FAA test prep, flight computer, logbook, and all required study materials.
- Is the FAA Medical Certificate included?
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No, students must obtain their First Class Medical Certificate at their own expense before Phase Two.