AERO Act Implementation

The Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund, known as the AERO Act, strengthens the state’s aviation workforce by fostering partnerships between Kentucky’s postsecondary aviation programs and the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. Through strategic investment, the AERO Act helps ensure a strong pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet growing industry needs.

What the AERO Act Supports

The AERO Act includes two funding categories:

• Aviation Training Scholarships (65%) to support individuals pursuing:
  • FAA-issued licenses or certifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation
  • Engineering degrees
  • High-demand career and technical education credentials
• Aviation Equipment Grants (35%) to support aviation training equipment for:
  • Kentucky high school vocational programs
  • Kentucky public postsecondary institutions

All funding must come through a partnership between an aviation program and an industry partner. Employer-education contributions to the fund are matched dollar-for-dollar by the state.

Who Can Participate

Aviation Programs

Eligible participants include Kentucky-based postsecondary institutions and high school vocational programs that issue qualifying aviation or aerospace credentials.

Aviation Industry Partners

Businesses that employ individuals with aviation or aerospace credentials and contribute financially to the fund.

Benefits of Participation

• Industry partners can attach conditions to scholarships, including employment commitments.
  Scholarship recipients must work in Kentucky for at least one year and may receive funding for up to two years.
• Training providers can access modern, high-quality equipment to enhance instruction.
• Kentuckians benefit from reduced financial barriers and access to high-wage aviation careers.
• Contributions are matched 1:1 by the AERO Act Fund. (All matching funds are subject to availability and state appropriation.)

How to Get Involved

To apply for funding, an aviation program and an industry partner must collaborate on and submit a joint proposal.

Proposal window: June 1, 2026 – July 13, 2026
Full submission details will be posted on the KY Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) website by June 1, 2026.

Questions?

Contact Miles Feroli at miles.feroli@ky.gov

---

Watch Our Informational Webinar

---

As part of implementing the AERO Act (Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity), the following have been appointed to the Kentucky AERO Advisory Committee: 

• Dr. Aaron Thompson, president, Council on Postsecondary Education. Under KRS 164.7011, Thompson will serve as committee chair;

• Council member Lindsey Case, aviation instructor, Lawrence County High School;  

• Tristan Durbin, airport director, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport;

• Martin Fryer, vice president of operations, FEAM Aero;

• Laura Jones, vice president, National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA); 

• Luke McCowan, business operation manager, Middletown Composites; 
• Brad Schwandt, Interim Commissioner of Aviation, Kentucky Department of Transportation;

• Bradley Simms, business development manager for the aerospace division, Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET);

• James Smith, director of new business development, Marshall Aviation, Marshall University;

• Todd Smith, director of aviation programs, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Madisonville Campus;

• David Springer, senior director of engineering, UPS Airlines; and
• Curtis Wilson, senior director of emergent missions, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.