Note : There are 2 flight academies - the AFJROTC Flight Academy and the Aim High Flight Academy

AFJROTC Flight Academy

The US Air Force JROTC implemented the first-ever Flight Academy program in 2018 that fully funded scholarships for 120 high school Air Force JROTC students to attend university flight schools during the summer after their sophomore, junior, and senior years. The scholarship paid for travel to a participating university, room and board, as well as all tuition and fees associated with the program. Students who completed the program earned their private pilot's licenses as well as up to 12 college credits. TX-20081 has had 5 cadets selected over the years we have had the program in place! The program is open to Cadets nationwide in the AFJROTC program. It is competitive, and the application window will open 3  September 2024.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Cadets must  have the “drive” to exceed standards. Beyond the basic requirements, cadets should possess a high-level of determination and grit to make it through a highly compressed aviation training program. Cadets should exemplify maturity and responsibility beyond their current age.
Requirements
  • Air Force Junior ROTC sophomore, junior and senior cadets who are 16+  and in good standing 
  •  3.0 + GPA (on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Recommendation of SASI and high school administrator (principal or counselor). 
  • Minimum PFT score 
  • 17 years old at the time of their Flight Academy graduation ​
Key Dates
  • 3 Sep - 15 Nov 24: XLP-FA Application Window
  • 3 Sep - 15 Nov 24: AQT Testing Window
  • 12 Nov 24: Last Day for Cadets to Start an XLP-FA Application
  • 18 - 22 Nov 24: XLP-FA Application Review & Selection Board
  • 2 Dec 24: RD & SASI/ASI Notification of Selects/Alternates
  • 6 Dec 24: Public Announcement of Selects/Alternates
  • 9 Dec 24 - 28 Feb 25: Profile Update, Preferences, Document Collection
  • 3 - 14 Mar 25: University/College Matching and Notification
  • 3 Mar – 2 May 25: FTSP for Non-US Citizen Cadets Only
  • 31 Mar - 16 May 25: University Onboarding, Travel Requests, Virtual Calls
Tips
  • Fitness – stay active; minimum score to apply is 75 (Bronze)
  • AQT – Review Practice Test https://www.aqtpractice.com/
  • Discovery Flight – find a local CAP unit or flight school and schedule a flight
  • Consider Out-of-pocket expenses as an investment toward an aviation career
  • Class 1 Medical – review www.faa.gov for meds that DQ cadets from flying

Aim High Flight Academy

​The Aim High Flight Academy (AHFA) is an aviation scholarship for a three-week introductory flight program at various universities across the world. The mission of the AHFA is to inform, influence, and inspire the next generation of aviators and leaders. After completion of the AHFA, students will understand the pathways to become an Air Force officer, aviator, and earn up to 15 flight hours. AHFA pairs high school students, USAFA, and AFROTC cadets with current Air Force members who provide mentorship about the various aviation professions and career fields.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 June 2025
  • Be enrolled in high school or a graduating senior* 
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher 
  • Have no more than 5 powered flight hours
Notes: 
  • No flight or aviation experience necessary 
  • No commitment or obligation to the Air Force  
  • *USAFA & AFROTC Cadets may apply through their institution
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECEIVE* 
  • Up to 15 flight hours 
  • Housing and meals during training 
  • Transportation to/from training location 
  • Classroom training (ground school) 
  • Flight simulator training 
  • All training is provided by FAA Certified Flight Instructors 
  • Access to university recreation facilities 
  • Mentorship from Air Force aviators 
*All items funded by USAF

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