Daedalians flying training
(dft)
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Daedalian Flying Training (DFT)
The Order of Daedalians was founded by World War I aviators with the purpose of encouraging patriotism, integrity, and good character in our nation's youth; military careers as commissioned aviators; safety of flight, and excellence in the performance of military duties. The purpose of this DFT scholarship program is to motivate students to pursue a career in military aviation, and to provide initial flight training opportunities to highly-motivated JR/ROTC cadets to enhance their chances for success. The Eligibility Criteria and Application Process are described below.
The Frank P. Lahm Flight 9, Order of Daedalians is proud to announce that in 2023 two scholarship students successfully completed their initial solo! CONGRATULATIONS!
- AF JROTC Cadet Grace Bryan from Beavercreek High School
- AF JROTC Cadet Lyrah Gold from Stebbins High School
These young cadets hope to be Air Force pilots in the future and had the full backing of their families to successfully complete this opportunity.
Click on any picture to see the full picture
The DFT scholarships pay for almost all of the costs of the training, including ground school, basic flight training books (FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, the aircraft Operating Manual and the FAA Student Pilot Guide), and up to 15 hours of flight training (waiverable to 20 hours, if required and approved) - a $4000-$5000 value! The only costs not covered will be a flight physical, any additional instructional materials, and further additional hours if required to meet the FAA standards for solo flight. Because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, our students will also be required to obtain their own headsets (for reference, a David Clark H10-135 headset can be purchased from Amazon for ~$350.00). Training will take place at a local Fixed Base Operator (FBO), in coordination with the Daedalians organization, in the late spring and summer of each year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Applicants for the DFT must meet the following four eligibility criteria (Criteria #5 is optional, but strengthens an application):
- Demonstrate the desire and potential to become a military aviator in the armed forces of the United States.
- Be age 16 or older by 1 June.
- Be able to obtain a FAA Student Pilot Certificate and FAA Class III airman medical certificate.
- Be a US citizen and fluent in English.
- Optional: Enrollment in ROTC is not required. However, Junior ROTC programs are rich sources for candidates. Ideally, candidates may be a sophomore or above attending an accredited high school JROTC or similar program.
It is important to understand this program is intended to be a concentrated program. The candidate should expect to be scheduled to fly training flights while simultaneously taking ground school classes and can expect to spend at least three days a week at the airport engaged in flight training until completion. Candidates not making acceptable progress as deemed by the DFT program manager could be removed from the program.
If chosen, you must complete your flight training by 31 Dec (our desire is for all students to complete during the summer to ensure continuity). It is up to you to schedule and coordinate with the local FBO flight school to ensure you are able to complete your training within this timeframe. After this date, the DFT program expires, and will no longer pay for your further flight training.
During the program, this training needs to be your number one priority for your time and energy. We encourage you to fully accomplish this training this summer. It will be a busy time, but well worth your efforts!
APPLICATION PROCESS: All applicants must fill out the DFT application. The application can be found at:
https://daedalians.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DFT-Application-Fillable-WORKING3.pdf.
You will need to download the application, print it out and then fill it out completely. We anticipate that there will be more students than MacAir can accommodate in one Ground School class, so Applications may be emailed to [email protected] (preferred), or mailed to the address below No Later Than 1 April. Winners will be announced in late March, so we can take advantage of student slots in the May Ground School Class start dates. Ground school classes are 6 weeks long with classes held either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday 6-9 pm for six weeks. Actual flying starts during or after the second week. You may attach one letter of recommendation, if desired.
Daedalian Flight Training Program
Flight 9 Order of Daedalians
Box 33564 Bldg 16
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
If selected, you will need to obtain a Third Class flight physical from an FAA certified Medical Examiner. You can locate one at: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/. If selected the candidate will have until 1 May 2022 to obtain a FAA Class III physical. Good luck!