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

560th Flying Training Squadron hosts the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Flyers
502nd Air Base Wing
Video by Sarayuth Pinthong
March 28, 2023 | 1:03
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Sweet, retired, Lt. Col. Dick Francis, retired, Maj. Lynn Beens, retired, and Capt. Charles Jackson, USAF 1965-1979, became the next four Freedom Flyers during a T-38 Talon flight with Instructor Pilots from the 560th Flying Training Squadron, Mar. 23, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Since 1973, all repatriated combat pilots physically able to return to active flying have come to the 560th Flying Training Squadron for requalification training. As a final chapter in Operation homecoming, the squadron has flown 209 Freedom Flyers and many of those returned to active-duty flight status. The first flight for each returning pilot with the 560th granted what the last flight in Southeast Asia should have been. Traditionally, after each pilot completed his last flight in theater, his comrades greeted him on the flight line to celebrate a safe last landing. A bottle of champagne was passed around to commemorate the occasion and to pause briefly in remembrance of those who had not returned. Each year, the 560th hosts a reunion of “Freedom Flyers” commemorating the anniversary of Operation Homecoming. Scheduled events include static displays, fly-bys, a wreath laying ceremony, a POW symposium, and a formal banquet. In 2023, the 560th honors four more Freedom Flyers which will commemorate 50 years of this unique connection between the 560th Flying Training Squadron the men that returned from captivity with honor. (U.S. Air Force video by Sarayuth Pinthong) More

Tags

POWMIAUSAFJBSA12FTWFreedomFlyer506FTS More
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560th Flying Training Squadron hosts the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Flyers
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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