Wings of Tomorrow: A Pathway to Becoming a Pilot

What is Wings of Tomorrow?

 

Wings of Tomorrow provides motivated students with structured flight training through our certified flight school partners. The program removes financial and access barriers by connecting youth to experienced instructors, mentorship, and scholarships while guiding them through their first major aviation milestones.

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What students experience:

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• Professional flight instruction from FAA-certified flight instructors

• Hands-on preflight training, safety checks, and aircraft operations

• Ground instruction to build strong aviation knowledge

• Loggable flight hours toward future pilot certification

• Mentorship from active pilots and aviation professionals

• Structured progress milestones that build readiness for solo flight and beyond

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The Cost of Becoming a Private Pilot (Estimate)

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PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE (PPL) COST RANGE:

$12,000–$18,000 total on average (national estimate)
This includes:

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• Flight hours

• Ground school

• Testing

• Supplies

• Instructor fees

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How Wings of Tomorrow Helps:

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UAS helps reduce this financial barrier by:

• Covering a portion of flight training

• Providing scholarships

• Offering early hours that count toward the total

• Connecting students to lower-cost training options

• Providing mentorship & pathway guidance

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Cost to Provide a Student 5–10 Flight Hours:

$1,250–$2,500 per student
(depending on aircraft type & fuel costs)

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Who It’s For

 

Wings of Tomorrow is designed for:

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• Youth and young adults ages 14–22

• Students who have completed Aviation Futures (recommended, not required)

• Highly motivated students who want structured flight training

• Youth from communities that face barriers to entering aviation

• Students prepared to commit to study, safety, and consistency

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Eligibility Requirements

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• Ages 15–22

• Parent/guardian consent required for minors

• Ability to commit to sessions & flight lesson schedules

• Must follow all FAA and flight school safety rules

• Must demonstrate a genuine interest in aviation

• Completion of a brief interview or orientation session

 

Financial need may be considered for scholarship awards.

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What Students Gain

Students leave the program with:

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• Real FAA-loggable flight hours

• Pilot logbook experience

• Understanding of flight maneuvers and aircraft operations

• Improved confidence, discipline, and leadership skills

• Connections to aviation role models

• Clear understanding of the pathway to becoming a pilot

• Eligibility for advanced training, scholarships, and UAS programs

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Many Wings of Tomorrow students go on to:

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• Continue flight training

• Pursue aviation programs in high school or college

• Begin ground school

• Seek Part 107 (drone) certification

• Apply for scholarships and aviation opportunities

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Pathway to Becoming a Private Pilot

We help students understand and plan for key steps:

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Step 1: Discovery & Intro Flights

(Aviation Futures)

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Step 2: Early Flight Training

(Wings of Tomorrow — 5–10 hours logged)

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Step 3: Ground School

Can be online or in-person

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Step 4: Continue Flight Training

Toward 40–60 total hours minimum for PPL

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Step 5: FAA Exams

Written + Practical test (Checkride)

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Step 6: Private Pilot License (PPL)

Wings of Tomorrow is the bridge between interest and commitment, giving youth a meaningful, affordable head start.

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​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: Program costs vary by flight school and aircraft, typically between $1,250–$2,500 per student.
Scholarships may be available based on need.

 

Q: Are flight hours official?

A: Yes. All hours are logged with certified flight instructors and count toward future FAA training requirements.

 

Q: Is this training safe?

A: Yes. All instruction follows FAA standards, safety protocols, and weather considerations.

 

Q: Do students need prior experience?

A: No experience required. However, completing Aviation Futures is recommended.

 

Q: Can students continue after this program?

A: Yes. We support the next steps in training, ground school, and scholarship opportunities.

 

Q: Where does training take place?

A: At partnered flight schools and airports in Central Ohio.

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Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: Yes, participants must be at least 15 years old to begin flight instruction.

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Q: What certifications can I earn?
A: The program prepares students for the FAA Private Pilot Certificate, with the opportunity to continue toward advanced ratings.

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Q: Can I continue flight training after completing the program?
A: Absolutely! Graduates are encouraged to pursue advanced ratings and mentorship through our industry partners.

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Support a Future Pilot

Your support helps students from underserved communities access the flight training, mentorship, and loggable hours needed to pursue aviation careers.