Red Tail Cadets

Reigniting the heroic legacy of young African-American pilots (Tuskegee Airman), the Red Tail Cadet Program (RTCP) seeks to enhance and transform the lives of at-risk youth through aviation education and career path opportunities, so that they may more positively impact their community. The RTCP offers a unique, premier aviation youth outreach program that enables youth to obtain pilot's licenses and start an aviation career path.

The Red Tail Cadet Program is a six-week, residential, immersive flight-training experience, designed to introduce students to the aviation industry and to develop their skills through classroom instruction, flight simulator training, in-aircraft flight training, financial literacy seminars, leadership training, and life-skills development, with the ultimate goal of setting them on the path towards a career in aviation.

Selected from a pool of applicants from the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the cadets are chosen based on their academic excellence, community involvement, and their aptitude for success in a rigorous aviation program.

Application Process

The Latest

Aug 8, 2023

Matthew Gaikins from RTCP III achieves his SOLO flight

Matthew Gaikins from the 2023 Red Tail Cadet Program achieved his solo flight on Monday evening, August 7th! Way to go Matthew!

Aug 8, 2023

Ellie Flick from the 2023 Red Tail Cadet Program completed her SOLO flight with flying colors!

Ellie Flick from the 3rd class of Red Tail Cadets solos on Tuesday morning August 8th! Becoming the first female from the program to solo! Way to go Ellie!

Jul 26, 2023

Fox 2 Now Story on Red Tail Cadet Program

Pastor Anthony helping Ferguson Florissant Students Fly High!

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