General aviation, often simply called "GA", is any civilian flying except scheduled airline passenger transportation.

That's it!

It's actually the majority of flights throughout the United States. It covers everything from the hobby drone pilot or new student pilot to agricultural aerial applicators and wild land firefighters.

But general aviation is more than just the simple act of flying. It's connecting communities, strengthening economies and enabling entrepreneurs. Not only does general aviation save lives, it brightens futures through advances in technology and laying the foundation for leaders of tomorrow.

General aviation touches American lives every day and with the projected demand for 790,000 manned-pilots in the next twenty years, now is the time to start training for a career in aviation¹.

There are a number of avenues to starting flight training, from schools, independent instructors, and flying clubs. Make connections with your local aviation community to find the best fit for your goals.

One of the major hurdles for prospective pilots is the price of flight training. However, there are a multitude of organizations, both local and national, who host scholarships for all levels of flight students. Some national organizations include:

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association | Experimental Aviation Association | International Aviation Womens Association | National Agricultural Aviation Association | National Business Aviation Association | Ninety-Nines | Seaplane Pilots Association |
Women in Aviation International