![Logan Dochtermann (left) became Epic’s first in-house pass when he earned his instrument rating in August 2025. Dochtermann is pictured with his instructor, Breyton Jackson. [Courtesy: Epic Flight Academy]](https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/1st-inhouse-pass-e1758048862160.jpg?width=898&height=538)
Time is running out to apply for a scholarship at Epic Flight Academy, which boasts multiple locations and provides professional training for both pilot and maintenance technician careers.
The scholarships are open to U.S. high school juniors and seniors, with the deadline for applications being October 1. According to school officials, Epic is planning to award 17 scholarships totaling $145,000.
“This is the largest amount we have ever allocated for the annual scholarship awards,” said Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna. “To date, we’ve given more than $445,000 to 35 high school students since we began making these awards in 2016. We give scholarships for both pilot and aircraft mechanic training.”
Students must apply online here.
“With just two weeks left to apply, we want to remind students not to wait until the last minute,” said Cindy Lovell, Epic’s director of education. “We’ve seen a good response so far and want to encourage eligible students to apply.”
Epic, which features 12 campuses, said scholarship applicants are asked to select which one they would like to attend.
Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 school in the United States. Epic, in operation since 1998, also trains aircraft mechanics under FAA Part 147.
FAA Grants Self-Examining Authority
The increase in the availability of scholarships isn’t the only news for Epic. The FAA has granted the academy self-examining authority to conduct in-house check rides.
Shane Williams, director of flight operations at Epic, noted this is a privilege that will benefit both the school and the students.
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“Epic can now set check ride dates and times internally, avoiding delays caused by limited Designated Pilot Examiner [DPE] availability,” Williams said. “This reduces bottlenecks when many students are ready at the same time. Also, instructors and check airmen align training and testing closely, which promotes a uniform safety and evaluation culture.”
Ray Altmann, Epic’s chief flight instructor, said this helps streamline the process.
“Students can now avoid long wait times for a DPE and can schedule their check rides soon after they’re ready,” said Altmann.
Pilots forced to wait for their check ride have to spend extra money to fly for proficiency rather than going right to the DPE when they are freshly endorsed and at their sharpest.
At the present time, several members of Epic’s senior flight instructing staff are designated to conduct the examinations. Epic expects to train more of their instructors to administer check rides as part of enhancing its Part 141 flight training operations.
