AFJROTC FLIGHT ACADEMY
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.
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.
As an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor, what should I look for in a cadet to recommend them for the program?
We depend on instructors to help put forward the best possible candidates. Your input is vital as someone who has daily contact with your cadets. Instructors are encouraged to put forth as many qualified cadets as would like to apply. We understand your cadets will have the academic prowess to be nominated, but they must also 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, and you should be comfortable with them operating complicated equipment/aircraft and the safety of its passengers.
As an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor, how can I groom my cadets to be competitive in the application process?
A lot of the application process is based on the cadet’s individual achievements. However, ensuring cadets are comfortable taking standardized tests, and taking practice AFOQTs are helpful. Identifying cadets early in their Air Force Junior ROTC career can give an opportunity for instructors to mentor the cadets on leadership and outside activities to strengthen their application package. Additionally, working with cadets to improve their PFT scores is helpful.
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.
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. (Attachment 1)
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.
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 identifies items they might want to bring and are encouraged to have a modest amount of spending money for incidentals.
Are there any unique rules associated with attending the Flight Academy?
Cadets are 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.
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.
AFROTC YOU-CAN-FLY PROGRAM
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The AFROTC You Can Fly (AYCF) program was created in 2019 to increase diversity among rated forces through early exposure, education, and flight experience. The program is an introductory flight program for about 900 cadets. Each cadet receives $3,500 to use at FAA-certified flight schools, achieving an average of 15 flight hours, typically up to their first solo flight. Targeted at AS 100 (freshman) cadets, it offers year-round training on a flexible schedule.
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Since its inception, 565 (56%) participants have earned a rated AFSC. 2,231 cadets have participated in AYCF. 1,006 (45%) have met a Rated Selection Board. 565 of the boarded participants (56%) have earned a rated AFSC. 242 of these rated AFSCs (43%) went to cadets from underrepresented demographics.
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For more information on AFROTC:
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Already an active-duty Air Force officer or enlisted member already? Boost your competitiveness for the rated board with the Rated Preparatory Program!
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- The Rated Preparatory Program (RPP) provides qualified Airmen an opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills in advance of testing for flight training. Program participants will receive ground instruction, approximately 7.5 hours of flight time, and approximately 2.5 hours in FAA-certified flight simulators. The program is designed for minimal interference in duties with the allowance of self-paced ground school and a one-week, hands-on flying class to introduce participants to aviation fundamentals. RPP is supported by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and Air Education & Training Command (AETC). RPP is not a commissioning program, nor does it guarantee participants will be selected for a particular rated AFSC.
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While exploring improved methods of selecting and developing a diverse group of rated officers, the Air Crew Task Force (ACTF) developed the Pilot Preparatory Program (PPP), now renamed the Rated Preparatory Program. This program allowed ACTF to evaluate the impact of ground school and 7-9 hours of flight time on Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) board scores (Test of Basic Aviation Skills, (TBAS) and Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT).
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In the RPP history, there have been over 132 students selected to a rated career field through the UFT board. Following the program’s success, AETC assumed execution responsibility for the program in FY20 and rebranded the program into RPP to emphasize its intent to increase diversity in all rated career fields (Pilot, Combat Systems Officer, Air Battle Manager and RPA Pilot). In FY21, RPP participation was offered to enlisted Airmen who seek to become part of the Air Force’s rated officer corps and has proven successful in improving AFOQT and TBAS scores by about 40% on average thus improving chances of selection for Air Force flying training programs.
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:
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Program Description:
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The RPP Panel will select up to 60 candidates.
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This board is open to RegAF officer and enlisted personnel.
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US Space Force (USSF) Guardians are not eligible to apply. USAF personnel who have not transferred to the USSF but are working in a USSF unit are eligible.
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Personnel who have previously attended PPP or RPP are not eligible to apply.
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This program is funded by AETC RDI at no cost to the unit.
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Eligibility – Applicants Must:
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Be of high moral character.
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Obtain Group Commander (or first O-6 in supervisory chain) approval and endorsement.
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Score at least minimum passing for the Physical Fitness Test.
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Submit scores from the AFOQT and TBAS to receive Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) upon application to RPP.
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Applicants with 5 or less hours of flying time are preferred. Those with more than 5 hours will be considered on a space available basis.
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Begin the process to obtain the appropriate Air Force flight physical commensurate with the rated interest. For example, Initial Flying Class 1 (IFC1) for pilots.
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Meet Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) board requirements post RPP. (IAW AFMAN 36-2100)
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Enlisted requirements:
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Complete a bachelor’s degree by the program start date no exceptions.
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Individuals are responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements for application to an Air Force Officer commissioning source. (AFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, AFMAN36-2100, Military Utilization and Classification, AFMAN 36-2664, Personnel Assessment Program, and AFRS SOPG).
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Upon RPP graduation, apply to a commissioning source at the next opportunity.
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For additional information in inquiries, please contact Ms. Kassandra Hall or Mr. Steven Thompson by email at AETC.RDI.Workflow@us.af.mil
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Additional Resources
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Latest PSDM Information can be found on MyPers at https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/12973
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Enlisted-to-Officer: https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join/process/enlisted-to-officer
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Medical Flight Screening: https://www.afrl.af.mil/711HPW/USAFSAM/FCI/%20Medical%20Flight%20Screening%20Evaluations/
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More information on Civil Air Patrol: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/
AIM HIGH FLIGHT ACADEMY
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The AIM HIGH Flight Academy (AHFA) is a STEAM-based, aviation-focused, motivation and mentorship program designed to increase diversity across rated career fields by reaching high performing high school students involved in youth aviation, STEAM and community outreach programs from strategic partners and pairing them with students nominated by USAFA and AFROTC. The AHFA is a core component of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Rated Diversity Improvement (RDI) strategy and is led by Air Force Recruiting Service, Detachment 1.
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AHFA adheres to all FAA regulations to include safety with the overall goal for students to receive 12-15 flight hours.
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Flight hours will help increase AFROTC and USAFA cadets PCSM score for rated board selection.
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Military members provide program leadership, training methodologies and expectations, mentorship, career briefings, base tours, and orientation flights, giving the students a glimpse into military opportunities and paths to accession.
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For information on How to Apply to AIM High Flight Academy:
COMMISSIONING PATHWAYS INFORMATION
AIR FORCE RESERVE OFFICER CORPS (AFROTC)
https://www.afrotc.com/
https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY (USAFA)
https://www.usafa.edu/
http://www.academyadmissions.com/
OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS)
https://www.airforce.com/training/military-training/ots/overview
https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join
https://www.airforce.com/apply-now
RISE ABOVE – HOW TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE AVIATOR
https://www.airforce.com/experience-the-air-force/airmen-stories/rise-above