U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a $26 million Federal Aviation Administration initiative aimed at expanding the pipeline of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians across the United States. The funding, unveiled in Washington, D.C., will support aviation workforce development grants designed to attract and train the next generation of aerospace professionals, from aircraft and drone pilots to mechanics and technicians.
According to the Department of Transportation, the money will finance aviation training programs that focus on technical skills, apprenticeships and internships that give prospective pilots hands-on experience, and expanded student outreach to increase recruitment. The grants will also back the use of advanced training tools, including flight simulators.
The Aviation Workforce Development Grants are divided into two primary categories. Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants support efforts to educate and recruit students to become aircraft pilots or drone operators. Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund initiatives to train future aviation mechanics and maintenance technicians. Eligible applicants include schools, aviation organizations, aviation-focused nonprofits, air carriers, labor groups, and state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by June 18, 2026.