Learn to Fly Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Air Transportation Association

Description

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was created to honor Dan L. Meisinger Sr. and to support individuals pursuing initial flight training. The scholarship provides an annual award intended specifically for primary flight instruction and related training expenses. The program materials and applications are handled by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF), which screens submissions and maintains applicant confidentiality. The fund awards one recipient each year based on the established eligibility criteria and committee review.

Description: An annual flight training scholarship established in memory of Dan L. Meisinger Sr., administered by NATF to support primary flight instruction.

• Annual scholarship for initial/primary flight training
• Administered and reviewed by the NATF screening committee
• Confidential application review process

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled college students in an aviation program and demonstrate strong academic performance, typically a B average or better. A recommendation from an aviation professional is requested but direct applications are accepted. Preference is given to residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois, although applicants from other areas may apply. The screening committee evaluates each application against these criteria when selecting recipients.

Eligibility: College students in aviation programs with strong academics; professional recommendation preferred; regional preference for KS, MO, or IL.

• Must be a college student enrolled in an aviation program
• Academic standard: B average or higher
• Professional recommendation encouraged; direct applications accepted
• Preference for Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois residents

Award Value

The scholarship provides a single award of $2,500 to be used exclusively for initial or primary flight training. Funds are intended to cover tuition, instructional fees, and other direct costs associated with beginning pilot training. The award is limited to the specified purpose and cannot be applied to unrelated expenses. Recipients must follow the payment and endorsement procedures outlined by NATF and the flight school.

Award Value: $2,500 designated for initial or primary flight training expenses.

• Single scholarship amount: $2,500
• Restricted use: initial/primary flight training only
• Payment procedures and endorsements are required

Application and Timeline

Applicants must complete the official application and submit all required supporting documents by the deadline, which is the last Friday in November. Before beginning the online application, applicants must download and complete the Appraisal and Endorsement Form, as it is required to finalize the submission. Applications missing required documents will not be considered. All application materials become the property of NATF and are reviewed only by the screening committee and NATF officials.

Application Timeline: Complete application and required documents must be received by the last Friday in November; incomplete submissions will be disqualified.

• Download and complete the Appraisal and Endorsement Form before applying
• Submit the full application and all required documents by the last Friday in November
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

Recipient Notification

Selected recipients will receive written notification by the end of April, and all other applicants will be notified in writing by mid-May. Scholarship recipients are publicly announced in aviation publications and featured on NATF’s channels, such as Aviation Business Journal and the NATF website. The notification process ensures recipients and non-recipients receive timely status updates. Applicants should monitor their mail and the organization's public announcements for final results.

• Recipients notified in writing by the end of April
• All other applicants notified by mid-May
• Public announcements are made in aviation publications and on the NATF website

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship checks are issued jointly to the recipient and the designated flight school and must be endorsed by both parties. Checks are mailed to the recipient address provided on the scholarship acknowledgement form. This joint-payee process ensures funds are applied directly to approved training expenses. Recipients should coordinate with their flight school to complete endorsements and accept funds.

• Checks payable jointly to recipient and flight school
• Endorsement by both parties is required
• Checks are mailed to the recipient’s address on the acknowledgement form

Recipient Obligations

Recipients must provide copies of pertinent training records and promptly notify NATF of any changes to address, school enrollment, or other relevant information. NATF, its selection committee, and the National Air Transportation Association assume no obligations beyond the terms described in the scholarship guidelines. Any tax liability resulting from the award is the sole responsibility of the recipient. Compliance with reporting and documentation requirements is mandatory to receive and retain scholarship funds.

• Supply training records and update NATF on changes
• NATF and committee assume no additional obligations
• Tax responsibility rests with the recipient

Revisions

NATF reserves the right to review and modify the scholarship conditions and procedures at any time, including termination of the program. Changes to the program will not affect scholarships that were previously approved. Applicants and recipients should consult current NATF materials for the most up-to-date rules and conditions. The foundation maintains discretion to adapt the scholarship to evolving program needs.

• NATF may change or terminate the scholarship program at any time
• Previously approved scholarships remain unaffected by subsequent changes
• Applicants should refer to current NATF guidance for updates

History of the Award

The scholarship honors Dan L. Meisinger Sr., whose aviation career spanned 63 years and included founding Executive Beechcraft in Kansas City, Missouri. He was recognized twice as Beech Aircraft’s Man of the Year, reflecting his long-standing contributions to general aviation. The memorial fund was established to perpetuate his commitment to aviation education and to help new pilots begin their flight training. The award carries his name as a tribute to his impact on the aviation community.

History of the Award: Established to honor Dan L. Meisinger Sr.’s legacy and to support aspiring pilots with initial flight training funds.

• Created in memory of Dan L. Meisinger Sr., aviation industry leader
• Meisinger founded Executive Beechcraft in Kansas City, MO
• Recognized twice as Beech Aircraft’s Man of the Year