STRATEGIC PARTNERS

AHFA partners with multiple organizations who share similar missions to empower and engage youth in aviation. A complete list of our partners include:

AHFA

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 June of the flight training year.
  • Be enrolled in high school* or homeschool during the flight training year.
  • Be a US citizen **
  • Have no more than 5 powered flight hours 
  • 3.0 current Grade Point Average either with an unofficial GPA Transcript or a registrar/counselor verifiable memorandum.

Notes: 

  • No flight or aviation experience necessary (we teach you to fly!)  
  • No commitment or obligation to the Air Force  
  • *USAFA & AFROTC Cadets may apply through their institutions
  • **Non-US Citizens regardless of residency status are ineligible to apply

 

Videos from DVIDShub.net

Freedom Flyer #215, U.S. Navy Capt. David Carey, retired
502nd Air Base Wing
Video by Sarayuth Pinthong
May 5, 2025 | 2:53
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Carey became the 215th Freedom Flyer, taking to the skies in a T-38 Talon—more than five decades after his capture and imprisonment during the Vietnam War. Carey was deployed aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) when he was forced to eject over North Vietnam on August 31, 1967. He spent 2,022 days in captivity before being released on March 14, 1973, during Operation Homecoming. The Freedom Flight—traditionally reserved for Air Force POWs—symbolizes a return to the skies for those once grounded in captivity. Since the inaugural flight in 1973, the 560th FTS has flown 215 former POWs, reinforcing its unique role in honoring those who endured the hardships of war and captivity. (U.S. Air Force video by Sarayuth Pinthong)

Item Title: Flights To Distant Stars
Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/flights-to-distant-stars-P3V4WP7
Item ID: P3V4WP7
Author Username: epicmasters
Licensee: 502 ABW Public Affairs
Registered Project Name: Pinthong
License Date: April 22nd, 2025
Item License Code: TN4KEBDJU9 More

Tags

FreedomFlyer; T-38A Talon; 19AF; AETC; JBSA-Ranolph; 560thFTS More
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Resources

AHFA Locations & Training Partners

  • California Aeronautical University, CA 
  • California Baptist University, CA 
  • Marion Military Institute, AL 
  • Oklahoma State University, OK  
  • South Dakota State University, SD 
  • Troy University, AL
  • Schreiner University, TX
  • University of Texas San Antonio, TX
  • Tennesse State University, TN

*To learn how to become one of our training locations please email: 

 Afrs.ahfa.studentapplications@us.af.mil 

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECEIVE* 

  • Up to 12-15 flight hours 
  • Housing and meals during training 
  • Transportation to/from training location 
  • Classroom training (ground school) 
  • Flight simulator training 
  • All training is provided by FAA Certified Flight Instructors 
  • Access to university recreation facilities 
  • Mentorship from Air Force aviators  

*All items funded by USAF except:

  • FAA Class III Med Certificate
  • Luggage during travel
  • Personal driving to/from university assigned session

Contact us

 

 

                                                              Please direct program questions to: Afrs.ahfa.studentapplications@us.af.mil