The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is calling for applicants to apply for new aviation workforce grants aimed at developing and inspiring a more inclusive pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to join the next generation of aviation professionals.
The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant is the product of a successful coalition effort aimed at creating more federal support for aviation workforce development. The 2018 FAA reauthorization bill authorizes $5 million annually for grants of up to $500,000 for schools, governmental entities, aviation businesses and labor organizations that collaborate on projects to attract new technical talent to the aviation maintenance industry and train technicians. The same section of the FAA bill created a similar $5 million program to support pilot education.
Eligible organizations may apply for funds ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for any single grant per fiscal year.
Although not mandatory, the agency strongly recommends prospective applicants submit a non-binding Notice of Intent to Apply by today, January 29, 2021. Instructions for submitting the no-more-than-two-page notice are available here.
The agency will post answers to frequently asked questions about the new program on its FAQ webpage.
Grant applications are due March 22.