William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Business Aviation Association

Description
**Purpose and structure**
This scholarship funds training for business aviation maintenance technicians through two separate awards each year. One award supports a student currently enrolled in an accredited airframe and powerplant (A&P) program at an approved FAR Part 147 school; the second supports an individual who has been accepted for enrollment but is not yet attending. The awards are intended to defray educational costs associated with A&P training and to encourage careers in business aviation maintenance.

Key takeaways:
- Two individual scholarships focused on business aviation maintenance careers.
- One award for currently enrolled A&P students, one for accepted-but-not-yet-enrolled students.
- Funds are for educational expenses tied to A&P training.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing careers as maintenance technicians in business aviation. For the enrolled-student award, the applicant must be enrolled in an accredited A&P program at an FAA-approved FAR Part 147 school; for the other award, the applicant must have an acceptance letter to such a program. The selection does not consider sex, race, religion, or national origin.

Key takeaways:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident required.
- One award requires current enrollment in an FAA Part 147 A&P program.
- The second award requires an acceptance letter to an FAA Part 147 A&P program.

Application Requirements
**Documents and submission**
A complete application package must include an essay, a current resume, either an official transcript (for enrolled applicants) or an acceptance letter (for incoming students), and one signed letter of recommendation. The full package must be received by NBAA by the June deadline specified on the application to be considered. Refer to the official application for formatting, length, and any additional instructions.

Key takeaways:
- Submit essay, resume, transcript or acceptance letter, and one signed recommendation.
- All materials must be received by NBAA by the June deadline on the application.
- Consult the application for exact document requirements and submission details.

Award Value and Payment
**Amount and disbursement**
NBAA Charities awards two scholarships of $2,500 each to cover educational costs associated with A&P training. Scholarship checks are issued payable directly to the recipient’s school rather than to the individual. The funds are intended exclusively for education-related expenses at the institution named on the award.

Key takeaways:
- Two awards: $2,500 each.
- Payments are made as checks payable to the educational institution.
- Funds designated for educational costs tied to the A&P program.

Application Timeline and Notification
**Deadlines and award schedule**
Applications must be submitted by the June deadline listed on the scholarship application; check the current application for the exact date each year. Awards are announced and disbursed in the fall — the next scheduled awarding is fall 2026. NBAA will notify recipients following the selection process and coordinate payment with the recipient’s school.

Key takeaways:
- Application deadline: the June deadline on the current application.
- Awards are announced in the fall (next scheduled: Fall 2026).
- NBAA notifies recipients and arranges school payment after selection.

Limitations and Conditions
**Rules and restrictions**
Recipients must use the scholarship funds by Dec. 31, 2027; failure to use the funds by that date may result in forfeiture. Applicants are limited to receiving one NBAA scholarship award per person every other year. The program is administered without regard to sex, race, religion, or national origin.

Key takeaways:
- Funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2027, or risk forfeiture.
- One NBAA scholarship award per person every other year.
- Awards administered nondiscriminatorily.

History of the Award
**Namesake and background**
The scholarship is named in honor of William M. Fanning, a retired NBAA staff member who focused on maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure with the Association. The award recognizes his contributions to business aviation maintenance advocacy and supports the next generation of maintenance professionals. The naming underscores NBAA’s commitment to workforce development in aircraft maintenance.

Key takeaways:
- Named for William M. Fanning, longtime NBAA staff member.
- Honors his work on maintenance issues over nearly two decades.
- Supports career development in business aviation maintenance.