Memorial Youth Flight Training Scholarship Program
One of Cascade Warbirds’ missions is “to inspire today’s young people to become the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.” We have partnered with flight schools around Puget Sound to provide a scholarship consisting of ground school plus materials and the first two instructional flights. Each is valued at approximately $1,350 and we make several awards each year.
An additional $2,500 Continuing Aviation Education Grant is available annually to one scholarship recipient who completes the scholarship requirements, intends to complete FAA private pilot training within the following two years, and completes training milestones.
In our scholars’ own words…
Learn about the scholarships
Ground School
Ground school teaches all the knowledge a pilot must have, such as aircraft systems, weather, flight operations, FAA regulations, and more. Classroom instruction is held either in-person at the flight school or virtually through their online provider. Successful completion qualifies the student to take the FAA’s private pilot knowledge test.
Instructional Flights
Flight training occurs in flight school training aircraft with an FAA certificated flight instructor. Training flights cover procedures such as flight planning, aircraft preparation, radio communications, and ground and in-flight operations and maneuvering. Instructional flights are recorded in the student’s pilot logbook and prepare the student to take the FAA private pilot practical test.
Requirements
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21 at the time of award.
Recipients must sign the contract below, which contains the scholarship program details and commitments. Please review before applying.
Commitment LetterApply
Fill in the application below and return it as described inside.
Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by March 1, 2026.
Note that our partnerships make this scholarship practical only to students in the central Puget Sound area.
This additional opportunity is intended to provide further support for those scholarship recipients who intend to complete their private pilot training.
Funds are provided as training milestones are completed:
- $1,000 after completing the first solo flight
- $1,000 after completing the long solo cross-country flight
- $500 after earning the private pilot certificate
Requirements
Applicants must complete the initial ground school course, both instructional flights, and submit an essay.
Recipients must sign the contract below, which contains the scholarship program details and commitments. Please review before applying.
Apply
Fill in the application below and return it as described inside.
Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by November 30 of the year the initial scholarship was received.
Flight school partners
With the closure of our longtime partner, we are working to finalize agreements with new flight schools.
Until then, explore some local ones:
- Regal Air – Everett
- Snohomish Flying Service – Snohomish
- Rainier Flight Service – Everett, Seattle, Renton, Auburn, Gig Harbor
- SpanaFlight – Auburn
What does it take to become a pilot?
- Learn to Fly – Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
- Learn to Fly – Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
- Become a Pilot – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Contact our Scholarship Committee Chair with any questions about the scholarship program.
Donations
We are able to offer this youth flight training scholarship only because of the generous financial support of our donors. Since 2010, Cascade Warbirds has provided over eighty outstanding young people the opportunity to grow, find a career, and learn a lifelong avocation through the magic of flight.
Becoming a pilot builds upon and expands core STEM skills of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It pushes flight students to grow emotionally and build self-confidence. Minor or adult, learning to fly changes a person and opens them to a world of possibilities.
If you are interested in supporting our youth education efforts with a tax-deductible financial contribution, please contact our Finance Officer. You may also be able to donate directly from your tax-advantaged retirement account without it flowing through your income calculation; consult your tax advisor for details. Cascade Warbirds is a 501(c)(3) recognized nonprofit organization.
Thank you for your vote of confidence in Cascade Warbirds, your generous support, and your investment in our youth!
“Today I mailed our donation to the scholarship program in the name of my father, Captain Karl Mehrer, WWII vet recently deceased at 92 years old. He spent his last 40 years restoring historic sailing schooners on Puget Sound, and putting those ships to work training young people about the joys of the sea, many of whom he channeled into maritime careers. Thank the Warbirds for their fabulous formation flyby at the Captain’s memorial service over Lake Whatcom. We will never forget that tribute.”– Kathleen Mehrer
You may also contribute to Cascade Warbirds’ general programs through everyday purchases at popular retailers.
Recent News
2024 Scholarship Winners
2024 Youth Flight Training Scholarship Open