Use Your 529 Plan for Flight Training
For years, 529 college savings plans were mostly limited to traditional college. Not anymore. A federal law signed in July 2025 expanded 529 plans to cover recognized career credentials, including FAA pilot certificates. That means the savings you've been building may now help put you in the left seat, with no four-year degree required.
Why It Matters
Flight training is an investment, and a 529 plan is one of the most tax-friendly ways to pay for it. When 529 funds are used for qualified expenses, the earnings are generally free from federal income tax. For families who started saving years ago, that can make a real difference in getting from first lesson to first job.
Why Oregon Aero Academy
Oregon Aero Academy is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school, training pilots in Albany and Eugene since 2015. Our programs follow FAA-approved ground and flight syllabi and lead to the FAA pilot certificates and ratings airlines and employers look for.
- FAA Part 141 approved training with structured, FAA-approved syllabi
- Recognized by the State of Oregon through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission
- One-on-one ground school and daily flying in our accelerated programs
- Two locations: Albany Municipal Airport (S12) and Eugene Airport (KEUG)
- Documentation made easy: itemized invoices and program letters for your 529 plan
What Your 529 May Cover
Qualified credentialing expenses generally include:
- Tuition and fees: flight instruction, aircraft rental, ground school, and program fees
- Books and supplies: required study kits, charts, and training materials
- Required equipment: items required for your program
- Testing fees: FAA knowledge test and practical test (checkride) fees
Costs like housing, meals, transportation, and FAA medical exams are generally not covered.
Programs That Lead to FAA Credentials
- Accelerated Full Time Career Track (zero to CFI in about 11 months)
- Full Time University BS Degree Course (BS in 30 Months)
Want a degree too? Our Purdue Global partnership offers a Full Time University BS Degree path in professional flight or aviation management.
How It Works
- Pick your program. Choose the training path that fits your goals and schedule.
- Enroll with OAA. We'll give you an itemized invoice that separates tuition, supplies, and testing fees.
- Request your 529 withdrawal. Contact your 529 plan and request a distribution for qualified expenses. Ask us for our program eligibility letter if your plan needs one.
- Pay OAA and start flying. Most plans send funds to the account owner or student, who then pays OAA directly.
- Keep your records. Save invoices and receipts, and withdraw in the same calendar year you pay.
Ready for Takeoff?
Your aviation dreams start now, and your savings can help get you there. Contact us to talk through your program, your timeline, and your 529 questions.
Call 541-730-3345 · Email info@OregonAeroAcademy.com