1. BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW: The Air Force is funding scholarships for AFJROTC cadets to attend private pilot training at public/private universities during the summer of 2021. Selected cadets will be identified through a competitive boarding process. The scholarship will pay for round-trip airfare, room and board, collegiate academics, and flight hours required to potentially earn a Private Pilot’s Certificate (PPC) through an in-residence collegiate program that is approximately eight (8) weeks in length.

Each university hosting students is an independent organization and provides its own management and oversight for students and programs. Cadets will be engaged in an intensive academic, flying training program and may have classes or flying training during weekend hours. Completion of the PPC is singularly dependent on each student’s academic and flying ability and the university’s determination and judgment to recommend a student.

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What is the Flight Academy?

The Flight Academy is a Chief of Staff of the Air Force scholarship to generate aviation interest among high school students and provides pathways to aviation careers. Additionally, it capitalizes on the diverse Air Force Junior ROTC cadet population (43% female, 57% minority). This effort addresses the national pilot shortage across the U.S. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit and their private pilot’s certification if they successfully meet university and FAA standards.

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Who can apply for a Flight Academy Scholarship?

Air Force Junior ROTC sophomore, junior and senior cadets who are 16 or older and in good standing in their program may apply. Applicants must have a 3.0 or greater GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and the recommendation of their SASI and high school administrator (principal or counselor). Additionally, students must obtain a minimum PFT score (to be determined by HQ AFJROTC) on their annual fitness assessment. Students must maintain the 3.0 GPA post-application to enroll in the university program. Cadets must be 17 years old at the time of their Flight Academy graduation to attend. Note: Air Force Junior ROTC is seeking an age waiver through the FAA to potentially allow 16 year-old cadets to attend.

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What is the purpose of the Flight Academy?

The purpose of the Flight Academy is to provide an opportunity for selected cadets to earn their Private Pilot Certification (PPC) while simultaneously increasing an interest in aviation. The program goal is to leverage the diverse Air Force Junior ROTC cadet population to help address the predicted need of 6,000 - 8,000 pilots per year for the next 20 years across industry and the U.S. military. The program does not however, guarantee certification or college credit.

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Where and when is the Flight Academy conducted?

Cadets will attend private pilot training at public/private universities throughout the U.S. over the summer months for approximately 8 weeks. 

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What other benefits can cadets glean from attending the Flight Academy?

In addition to earning their PPC, cadets will earn college credit. The number of credit hours earned varies by host institution. Currently credit hours earned range from 3-8 credit hours. Students must meet or exceed university standards to earn college credit and their PPC.

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What are the student costs for attending the Flight Academy?

Student costs are minimal. The Flight Academy Scholarship covers tuition, room, board, meals, text books, air travel, Class 1 Flight Physical and Alien Student Flight Program (ASFP) fee (if required). Cadet expenses are generally limited to items normally required of any student attending college (i.e., bed linens, clothes and comfort items for the room). Cadets are provided a suggested packing list which identifiesitemsthey might want to bring and are encouraged to have a modest amount of spending money for incidentals.

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Are there any unique rules associated with attending the Flight Academy?

Care expected to adhere to all host institution rules/policies and to represent the Air Force in a positive manner. Intrinsic with that is upholding appropriate behavioral, dress, and grooming standards. Not all students will earn their PPC. Most universities take 1 or 2 full semesters for students to earn a PPC. This is an intensive 8-week program and students who do not put forth 100% effort may not complete their PPC. Additionally, there may be contributing factors outside the universities’ control such as extended weather or maintenance. These factors may contribute to the inability of cadets earning their PPC due to contributing factors out of their control.

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Is there a military service obligation associated with a Flight Academy Scholarship?

NO. Cadets who earn their PPC will be referred to a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Wing nearest them so they may continue flying free of charge while they remain in Air Force Junior ROTC. Although there is no military requirement, students may be contacted by an Air Force Representative to learn about educational opportunities at the Air Force Academy or Air Force ROTC.