Flying Musicians Association Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) would like to help students discover aviation and enhance their musical skills through scholarships.

The FMA, which was founded in 2009, recognizes the link between musicians and aviators. Both pursuits require dedication, focus, and the acquisition of knowledge and physical skills. And both can bring together people from diverse backgrounds on common ground.

The FMA has two scholarships available. Its Solo Learn to Fly Program will take a high school student up through their first solo, and the Swing Wing scholarship will enable a deserving young person to attend New York Hot Jazz Camp.

“FMA members love assisting others who share our passions of flying and music,” John Zapp, FMA president and CEO, said in a statement. “To be able to assist and watch our student members grow through aviation and music while inspiring and assisting others is such a rewarding experience.”

The FMA has awarded 17 scholarships in 11 years. In addition to the scholarships, each nominee is onboarded as a student member of the association and assigned a mentor. Mentorship is key when beginning an aviation career. A mentor can provide guidance on selecting a flight school, what to look for in an instructor, and offer encouragement along the way.

The  Swing Wing scholarship is open to all members of FMA between the ages of 18 and 28. Exceptions can be made for members under 18 with parental consent.

The scholarships are made available through support of organizations, businesses, and individuals in both the music and aviation industry. One of the association’s key members is country music star Aaron Tippin, who also holds a commercial pilot certificate and A&P rating.

More information about how to apply for the Solo Learn to Fly Program may be found here, and the Swing Wing scholarship here.