Everything veterans need to know about using VA education benefits for flight training through a college degree pathway.
Yes — but not directly at a standalone flight school. Under current VA regulations, GI Bill® benefits can cover flight training only when the flight courses are part of a degree program at a VA-approved institution.
Venture West Aviation is affiliated with a college that offers a VA-approved degree program. This means eligible veterans can enroll in their degree program while completing all flight training at our facility at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona.
Important: Venture West Aviation is affiliated with a college that provides the academic degree pathway. We are not a college, and the degree program is their program administered through their facility. We provide the flight training component.
| Benefit Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | The VA may cover tuition and fees for the degree program, which includes flight training courses |
| Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH) | Monthly stipend based on the ZIP code of the campus (paid while enrolled at least half-time) |
| Books & Supplies Stipend | Annual allowance for training materials, textbooks, and supplies |
The VA generally requires that you already hold a Private Pilot Certificate before they will fund advanced flight ratings (Instrument, Commercial, etc.). Some veterans self-fund their Private Pilot training and then use GI Bill benefits for all remaining certificates. Our admissions team can walk you through the most cost-effective approach for your specific situation.
Call (480) 685-5440 or email admissions@flyvwa.com. Let us know you are a veteran interested in using VA benefits. We will explain the full process and answer your questions.
Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA if you have not already. This confirms your remaining entitlement and benefit level.
We will guide you through enrollment with our affiliated institution. Their admissions team will process your VA paperwork and get you set up in their VA-approved program.
Once enrolled and approved, you begin flight training at Venture West. Your schedule, instructors, and aircraft are all here in Mesa. The academic coursework is handled separately through the college.
Progress through each certificate and rating just like any academy student. After completing all certificates, you may build hours as a CFI while continuing or completing your degree.
No. The VA only covers flight training when it is part of a degree program at a VA-approved institution. Standalone flight schools cannot directly accept GI Bill benefits. Our affiliation with a VA-approved college makes this possible.
No. VA education benefits do not require a co-signer, credit check, or loan application. If you have eligible entitlement, the VA pays the institution directly.
In some cases, yes. If a service member transferred GI Bill benefits to a dependent, that dependent may be able to use them for flight training through the same degree pathway. Contact the VA for specifics.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment benefits that could cover flight training. This is handled on a case-by-case basis through the VA.