Arizona ESA ProgramYoung Aviator Training
State-Funded Flight Training for Aspiring Young Pilots
What is the Arizona ESA Program?
The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program allows state education dollars to follow your child when families choose education options outside traditional public schools.
90% State Funding
Receive 90% of your child's per-pupil state funding ($6,000-$9,000+ annually) deposited quarterly into a ClassWallet account.
Flexible Use
Use funds for approved educational expenses including flight training, curriculum, tutoring, technology, and more.
Rollover Funds
Unused balances roll over to future years, allowing you to save for major expenses like advanced flight training.
Why Use ESA Funds for Aviation Training?
Aviation education is a legitimate, comprehensive pathway that integrates all core academic subjects while building real-world career skills.
Comprehensive STEM Education
Aviation naturally integrates mathematics (navigation, fuel calculations), science (aerodynamics, meteorology, physics), and technology(modern avionics, GPS systems).
Early Career Preparation
Students can start training before age 16 and earn private pilot certificates at 17, commercial licenses at 18, and become flight instructors by 18-19. Many of our students secure aviation jobs immediately after high school.
Character & Life Skills
Flight training builds discipline, responsibility, decision-making, communication skills, and confidence—qualities that serve students throughout their lives.
Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost
With ESA funding, parents pay nothing for their child's aviation education. This makes professional pilot training accessible to families who couldn't otherwise afford it.
Student Success Story
"We have students who by the time they turn 18 have almost all of their certificates and are already starting to look for jobs as either instructors or other entry-level jobs into the aviation world."
Who is Eligible for ESA?
Most Arizona students qualify for the universal ESA program.
Basic Requirements
- Age: At least 5 years old by January 1st of the contract year
- Residency: Must reside in Arizona (proof required)
- Withdrawal from Public School: Cannot remain enrolled in public/charter school while receiving ESA funds
- Curriculum: Parents must provide education including reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science (flight training satisfies these requirements)
Good News: Students can begin accumulating flight hours and complete ground school well before their 16th birthday. By the time they're eligible to solo, they'll already have substantial experience.
How to Get Started
Follow these simple steps to begin using ESA funds for your child's aviation education.
Apply for ESA
Visit the ESA Applicant Portal and submit your application. You'll need your child's birth certificate, proof of residency, and disability documentation if applicable. Applications are processed within ~30 days.
Go to ESA PortalSign ESA Contract
Once approved, sign the ESA contract acknowledging you'll provide education in core subjects. Your ClassWallet account will be set up within ~3 weeks, and funds are deposited quarterly.
Confirm Desert Skies as Your Vendor
Desert Skies Aviation is registered with ClassWallet and approved by the ADE to receive ESA payments. Contact us to set up your child's training schedule and curriculum.
Contact Desert SkiesBegin Training
Schedule lessons with our FAA-certified instructors. After each session, we'll provide an invoice that you can pay through your ClassWallet account. Training is flexible and scheduled around your family's needs—once a week, twice a month, or as often as you like.
Track Progress & Achieve Milestones
Monitor your child's progress toward their private pilot certificate and beyond. Parents are welcome to observe training sessions, and instructors provide regular progress updates.
What the Training Looks Like
Our ESA-funded aviation program offers flexible, personalized training tailored to each student's needs.
Custom Schedule
Flight lessons are scheduled around each family's needs. Some students attend once or twice per week, while others prefer once or twice per month. ESA's flexibility allows you to adapt training frequency to your child's academic workload and family schedule.
One-on-One Instruction
Each student works directly with a certified flight instructor during ground school sessions, simulator time, and aircraft flights. Instruction is tailored to the student's learning pace and goals.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students learn aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, flight planning, safety, and FAA regulations. This curriculum satisfies ESA requirements by incorporating reading, grammar, math, science, and social studies through aviation-related materials.
Parental Involvement
Parents are welcome to observe training sessions and participate in briefings. Our instructors communicate regularly with families about progress and upcoming lesson objectives.
Important: Start Early!
While students cannot solo until age 16, they can complete nearly all flight training requirements (dual instruction, solo-preparation flights, written exam prep) ahead of time. Students who start early have successfully obtained private pilot certificates shortly after their 17th birthdays and some have become commercial pilots or flight instructors by 18 or 19 years old. Starting early positions them for aviation careers or college aviation programs immediately after high school.
FAA Age Requirements
Understanding when students can earn each certificate helps you plan their aviation journey.
| Certificate | Minimum Age | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Student Pilot Certificate | 16 years | Required only before solo flight; not needed to start lessons |
| Private Pilot Certificate | 17 years | Minimum 40 flight hours, written knowledge test, practical flight test |
| Commercial Pilot License | 18 years | Must hold private pilot certificate and meet specific flight-hour requirements |
| Flight Instructor Certificate | 18 years | Requires commercial certificate, instructor training, written and practical exams |
Note: Students do not need a student pilot certificate to begin flying lessons. They may accumulate hours under instruction and complete ground school well before their 16th birthday. This means ESA-funded students can complete much of the required training while in middle or high school.
Helpful Resources
Official links and resources to help you navigate the ESA program.
ESA Applicant Portal
Apply for ESA, upload documents, and access your ClassWallet account.
Visit PortalESA Support & FAQ
Detailed FAQ, funding chart, and contact information for support.
Get SupportEligibility & Application
Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Check EligibilityESA Program Home
Official Arizona ESA program homepage.
Learn MoreFAA Student Pilot Info
Information about becoming a student pilot from the FAA.
Visit FAAFAA Private Pilot Info
Learn about requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate.
Learn MoreNeed Help? Contact the Arizona ESA support line at 602-364-1969
Monday–Friday with extended hours on Mondays and Wednesdays
Ready to Launch Your Child's Aviation Career?
Use Arizona ESA funds to give your child a head start in aviation. Zero out-of-pocket cost. Real career opportunities. Start today.