Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship
CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation · National
Section 1What CloudDancer publishes
5 pilot awards per cycle
Amounts, dates and eligibility change between cycles. Always confirm on the provider's page before applying.
Section 2Deadline reminders
Applications open May 1, 2027.
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Section 3What this award leaves to fund
- This award
- $17,500
- Private certificatePilotBound national estimate
- − $18,025
- Left to fund
- $500
All six lenders in our comparison lend this much. Stack whatever else you can win first, then price only what is left.
Compare lenders →Section 4Who 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.
Section 5How 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.
Section 6Price your school
Selection boards fund plans with a school and a number in them. Every figure below is what the school itself publishes, with the source and the date it was checked.
Local flight schools
1716 flight schools across 50 states, with the hourly rates each one publishes.
Accelerated academies
105 zero-to-career academies and the fixed program prices they publish.
Degree programs
51 aviation colleges, with tuition and flight fees summed into one estimate.
Section 7Also worth a look
Section 8Quick 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, 2027. Applications open May 1, 2027. Opens May 1, closes July 31 each year. The 2026 cycle has closed; the provider now publishes that the 2027 cycle opens May 1, 2027.
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.