Cadet Wings Program
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The Cadet Wings program provides funding for active cadets to earn their Private Pilot Certification after they have completed the FAA Knowledge Test and completed their solo flight. Below are some highlights, but please refer to the Cadet Wings - Student Guide for full details.
Application Window: Oct-Dec
Age Requirement: Must turn 17 by the following Oct.
Prerequisites: Below are the prerequisites for an ideal candidate. However, if you are in the process of completing these, you can still apply to the program and include a Flight Plan that indicates what you are missing and gives details on when you plan to complete the missing items.
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Currency Aircraft Ground Handling (completed in Axis within the past 2 years)
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Current Student Pilot Certificate
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Current FAA Medical Certificate (class III as a minimum, if applicable)
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Solo Endorsement FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report (containing passing score)
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Exhibiting the potential for continued CAP service as a cadet leader
Key Steps to Complete before the Application Window. See the Learn to Fly page for more details on each of these.
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Request an Orientation Flight from Civil Air Patrol or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
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Complete Ground School (ie: Sporty's Online Ground School)
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Complete the FAA Knowledge Test
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Contact the squadron to request a Certified Flight Instruction with the goal of completing your solo flight.
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Submit the application for your Student Pilot Certificate
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Get a physical by an Aviation Medical Examiner
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Complete your solo flight (must be age 16)
*Steps 2 and 4 are also offered through National Cadet Special Activities.
Cadet Tracking Tool:
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You can download this Cadet Tracker to record your goals and progress of the requirements and the application scoring. As of January, 2021 we are hearing that it's more important to focus on the prerequisites and the scoring is secondary for selection.
