YOUR CAREER IN AVIATION IS READY FOR TAKE OFF
Civil to Wings Cadet Academy
Your best path to becoming a
US Air Force pilot
Civil to Wings Cadet Program
Overview
The Most Efficient Path to the US Air Force
As a Civil to Wings Cadet at Flex Air, you’ll receive special coaching and flight training that prepares you for the Air Force written, oral, and simulator evaluation. You’ll have zero military service commitment until you pass the Air Force acceptance requirements. In the Civil to Wings Program, the Air Force will offer you pilot positions in the reconnaissance, fixed-wing special operations, and mobility communities.
At Flex Air, we’re all about the next generation of pilots who will be more diverse than ever before. The Air Force and airline industry need you! Let us put you on the best path for guaranteed success.
MORE THAN FIGHTERS & BOMBERS
Although the Civil to Wings Cadet Academy is not a path to becoming a fighter or bomber pilot, some of the most advanced aircraft, epic missions, and skilled pilots in history come from the Mobility, Reconnaissance, and AFSOC communities.
* Fighter and bomber positions are exceptionally rare and are not currently available.
Civil to Wings Cadet Program
Timeline & Options
Typical Paths to Become an Air Force Pilot
University
Expensive and ultimately ends in Direct Recruitment after graduating from the University.
Approved Cadet Program
Career mentorship, flight training, and seamless transition to a civil career if not selected by Air Force.
Direct Recruitment
Requires service commitment regardless if you are selected to be a pilot
Cadets enter the Civil to Wings Cadet Program in one of two ways:
Some or No College
Obtain Class 1 Medical / No Restrictions
Private Pilot's License (3 months)
Begin Cadet Prep (1 month)
Take AFOQT after PPL
Take the TBAS
Introduced to your Air Force Mentor
Instrument Rating (3 months)
Crew Resource Management (1 month)
Commercial Single & Multi (2 months)
CFI Academy (2 months)
Transition to Online School & Flight Instructor (2 -3 Years)
Begin AF Applications 1 Year from Milestone
College Completed
Obtain Class 1 Medical / No Restrictions
Private Pilot's License (3 months)
Begin Cadet Prep (1 month)
Take AFOQT after PPL
Take the TBAS
Introduced to your Air Force Mentor
Instrument Rating (3 months)
Crew Resource Management (1 month)
Commercial Single & Multi (2 months)
CFI Academy (2 months)
Transition to Online School & Flight Instructor (2 -3 Years)
Begin AF Applications 1 Year from Milestone
Commercial License
500 Flight Hours
Bachelor’s Degree
Civil to Wings Cadet Program
Pricing
Make the Most of Your Time & Money On Your Way to the Skies
Whether you are starting with a bachelor’s degree, some school, or no school, Civil the Wings Cadet Program is the most financially efficient path to a pilot career in the Air Force.
Flex Air Flight School provides structured, quality flight training designed to produce proficiency in less time than other flight schools.
Make money while in school!
Our program combines online college with work as a CFI, so you earn money while you build hours and finish your degree at a top aviation college.
$87,530
Includes 12 months of shared housing and a $250/month stipend. Extra training blocks, if required, are priced separately.
Extra training may be assigned to ensure students meet strict Airman Certification Standards set by the FAA. Extra training is priced in weekly blocks of $1,325.
Start Your Journey
Apply Today!
To start the application process, complete this online form. After a Career Coach has reviewed your application you will be contact you to discuss your application and discuss your options.
Want to learn more before you apply?
Check out our FAQ and sign up for an upcoming informational webinar.
Apply Form
Civil to Wings Cadet Program
Additional Information
Join an
Informational webinar
Request an invitation to the next informational webinar where you can learn more about the Civil to Wings Cadet Program from one of our Career Coaches. Each webinar has a short Q&A at the end where you can submit your questions about the program, flight training, or career options.
Webinar Form
Program
FAQ
What’s the advantage of joining this program?
The traditional method of becoming a pilot in the Air Force requires you to commit to serve in the Air Force before applying for a pilot slot. Civil to Wings allows you to apply for a pilot slot with zero up-front service commitment.
Can’t I just commission for the Air Force instead?
Absolutely! This is a Cadet program designed to train applicants to be the most qualified version of themselves for the highly competitive application process.
What aircraft am I eligible under the Civil Path to Wings Cadet Program?
Once qualified, applicants can apply for the CPW program for the following aircraft:
Reconnaissance
- E-3
- E-8
- EC-130H
- RC/OC/WC-135
Special Operations
- AC-130J
- AC-130W
- C-146
- CV-22
- MC-12
- MC/HC-130H
- MC/HC-130J
- U-28
Mobility
- C-12
- C-130H
- C-5
- C-130J
- KC-10
- KC-135
- C-17
- KC-46
- C-21
Please note: Our Cadets are also eligible for Reserve and Guard slots, once they’re done with their Private Pilot they’ll begin career exploration in the military to determine what path is the best fit for them.
What are the height and weight requirements to become a pilot?
You can review the physical requirements of an Air Force pilot on their website here: