Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship
CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation · National
$17,500
5 pilot awards per cycle
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
- $17,500 (Pilot award of $17,500 paid in four milestone-based installments (selection, first solo, solo cross-country, check ride completion). Separate AMT maintenance awards also available at $5,000 to $10,000 each but are not flight training.)
- Status
- Open · closes in 22 days
- Deadline
- July 31, 2026
- Opens
- May 1, 2026
- Cycle
- Opens May 1 each year; the 2026 cycle closes July 31, 2026, with selections announced no later than October 1, 2026.
- Who it's for
- Veterans and military
- Age
- All ages
- Certificates
- Private (PPL)
- Region
- National
Who this is for
Must be a current active-duty U.S. service member (including Reserves and National Guard) or honorably discharged veteran, enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited aviation program, with at least a 2.5 GPA and a passing score of 80% or higher on the FAA Private Pilot written exam within the prior 12 months. Valid FAA first- or second-class medical required at application and selection.
How to apply
- Read the full requirements on CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation's official page. 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
Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship: quick answers
How much is the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship?
The published award is $17,500. Pilot award of $17,500 paid in four milestone-based installments (selection, first solo, solo cross-country, check ride completion). Separate AMT maintenance awards also available at $5,000 to $10,000 each but are not flight training. One application cycle covers multiple awards (5 pilot awards per cycle).
When is the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship deadline?
The deadline on the provider's official page is July 31, 2026. Applications are open right now. Opens May 1 each year; the 2026 cycle closes July 31, 2026, with selections announced no later than October 1, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship?
Must be a current active-duty U.S. service member (including Reserves and National Guard) or honorably discharged veteran, enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited aviation program, with at least a 2.5 GPA and a passing score of 80% or higher on the FAA Private Pilot written exam within the prior 12 months. Valid FAA first- or second-class medical required at application and selection.
How do I apply for the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship?
Apply for free on CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation'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.
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