Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings
Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary) · National
Up to $10,000
~60+ awards per cycle via USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship funding
Free to apply. Amounts and dates come from the provider's official page on the date shown; always confirm there before applying.
At a glance
- Award
- Up to $10,000 (Up to $10,000 per recipient toward private pilot flight training costs; funded by USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship)
- Status
- Open · closes in 54 days
- Deadline
- September 1, 2026
- Opens
- July 1, 2026
- Cycle
- Opens July 1 at 8:00 AM CT, closes September 1 at noon CT each year
- Who it's for
- Open to all
- Age
- Youth (age or grade cap applies)
- Certificates
- Private (PPL)
- Region
- National
- Membership
- Paid membership in the host organization is required to apply
Who this is for
Open to current active Civil Air Patrol cadets in good standing who have never previously received this award; priority given to cadets who have completed prerequisites including the Wright Brothers Award, Encampment, Student Pilot Certificate, FAA Medical Certificate, solo endorsement, and passing FAA Knowledge Test score. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.
How to apply
- Read the full requirements on Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary)'s official page, including the membership requirement. Applying is free.
- Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
- 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.
Also worth a look
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings: quick answers
How much is the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings?
The published award is Up to $10,000. Up to $10,000 per recipient toward private pilot flight training costs; funded by USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship. One application cycle covers multiple awards (~60+ awards per cycle via USAF and James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship funding).
When is the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings deadline?
The deadline on the provider's official page is September 1, 2026. Applications are open right now. Opens July 1 at 8:00 AM CT, closes September 1 at noon CT each year.
Who is eligible for the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings?
Open to current active Civil Air Patrol cadets in good standing who have never previously received this award; priority given to cadets who have completed prerequisites including the Wright Brothers Award, Encampment, Student Pilot Certificate, FAA Medical Certificate, solo endorsement, and passing FAA Knowledge Test score. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.
How do I apply for the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings?
Apply for free on Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary)'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 →