Military & Veteran Flight Training
Tradewind Flight Services is a VA-approved provider and DoD SkillBridge partner. Use your earned benefits to launch a professional aviation career.
VA Education Benefits
Use Your GI Bill® Benefits for Flight Training
Tradewind Flight Services is an approved VA flight training provider. If you've separated from service, your GI Bill benefits can cover a significant portion — or all — of your flight training costs. The VA pays us directly upon receipt of your eligibility letter, so you focus on flying, not paperwork.
To begin, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Once approved, Tradewind is paid directly for all covered training hours. Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for additional information on your specific benefit level.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Covers up to 100% of approved flight training costs for eligible veterans with 90+ days of active service after September 10, 2001.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
Provides a monthly stipend toward approved flight training programs for veterans who contributed to the program during active duty.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
For veterans with service-connected disabilities, Voc Rehab may cover the full cost of flight training as part of an approved employment plan.
Your Service Has Value
Your Military Experience Is an Advantage
Discipline & Precision
Military training instills the attention to detail and procedural discipline that makes exceptional pilots. You already think in checklists.
Mechanical Aptitude
Veterans with maintenance, avionics, or technical MOS backgrounds often accelerate through ground school and systems training.
Team Coordination
Crew resource management and communication under pressure are skills you've already mastered — they translate directly to the cockpit.
Mission Focus
The goal-oriented mindset of military service is exactly what it takes to push through the hours and checkrides of a professional pilot program.
Who We Serve
Built for Veterans & Transitioning Service Members
Separating Service Members
Within 180 days of separation and eligible for SkillBridge? Start your pilot training before your DD-214 is even in hand.
Veterans Using GI Bill
Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill recipients can apply benefits directly toward FAA-approved flight training at Tradewind.
Guard & Reserve Members
Select Guard and Reserve members may qualify for GI Bill benefits or SkillBridge participation. Contact us to review your eligibility.
Voc Rehab Participants
Veterans with service-connected disabilities enrolled in Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation may have full training costs covered.
DoD SkillBridge Program
Train Full-Time Before You Separate
The DoD SkillBridge program allows active-duty service members within 180 days of separation to train full-time at Tradewind Flight Services — while still receiving full military pay and benefits. It's one of the most powerful career transition tools available, and Tradewind is an approved SkillBridge partner.
SkillBridge Eligibility Requirements
- Active-duty service member within 180 days of separation or retirement
- Commander approval required before beginning the program
- Must be in good standing with no pending disciplinary action
- Program must align with your post-service career goals
Get Commander Approval
Submit your SkillBridge request to your commanding officer with Tradewind's program details and your separation timeline.
Contact Tradewind
Our team will provide a formal training agreement and all documentation your command needs to approve the program.
Begin Flight Training
Start your Private Pilot, Instrument, or Commercial training while still on active duty — fully paid by the military.
Separate with Credentials
Complete your FAA certificates before your separation date and enter the civilian job market as a credentialed pilot.
Ready to Fly? Let's Talk Benefits.
Our team will walk you through your GI Bill eligibility, SkillBridge options, and what to expect on day one of training.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.