Open · closes in 22 daysVerified Jul 7, 2026 against the official page

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.

Samip Shah
Written by · founder of PilotBound

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

  1. Read the full requirements on CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation'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.

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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