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Check datesVerified Jul 1, 2026 against the official page

CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship

Commemorative Air Force · National

Up to $12,000

Apply on the CAFAdd to my plan

Free to apply. Amounts and dates come from the provider's official page on the date shown; always confirm there before applying.

Samip Shah
Written by · founder of PilotBound

At a glance

Award
Up to $12,000 (Up to $12,000 toward earning a Private Pilot Certificate within one year)
Status
Check dates
Cycle
Rolling applications through local CAF units; no fixed annual open or close dates published
Who it's for
Open to all
Age
Youth (age or grade cap applies)
Certificates
Private (PPL)
Region
National

Who this is for

Open to applicants aged 16-19 who hold a valid FAA medical certificate and student pilot certificate and have passed the FAA written exam. Recipients must begin flight training within 60 days of accepting the award and complete their Private Pilot Certificate within one year.

How to apply

  1. Read the full requirements on Commemorative Air Force's official page. Applying is free.
  2. Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
  3. Write the essay with numbers, not passion: name your certificate goal, your school, your hours so far, and exactly what this award covers. Build your plan so every figure in the essay is real.

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CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship: quick answers

How much is the CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship?

The published award is Up to $12,000. Up to $12,000 toward earning a Private Pilot Certificate within one year.

When is the CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship deadline?

Commemorative Air Force doesn't publish fixed dates for this award. Rolling applications through local CAF units; no fixed annual open or close dates published.

Who is eligible for the CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship?

Open to applicants aged 16-19 who hold a valid FAA medical certificate and student pilot certificate and have passed the FAA written exam. Recipients must begin flight training within 60 days of accepting the award and complete their Private Pilot Certificate within one year.

How do I apply for the CAF Ray Foundation Pilot Scholarship?

Apply for free on Commemorative Air Force's official page. There is no application fee, and no legitimate aviation scholarship charges one or asks for your Social Security number. Have your essay, recommendation letters, and any required certificates ready before the window opens.

Scholarships rarely cover the whole bill. See how students finance the gap →