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

Jul 31, 2025

Red Tail Cadet Program Class V Graduation 2025

Jul 1, 2025

Red Tail Cadet Program Class V

Jun 12, 2025

Welcoming Home the Women of Valor Honor Flight 6.12.2025

...and what an HONOR it was! Our cadets studied the Women of Valor ladies' bios and later were able to see them return back to St. Louis after the veterans' day in Washington DC. The veterans attended ceremonies honoring them and made visits to the Military Women's Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials and more. Their day started at 3AM departing Lambert St. Louis International Airport with a water cannon salute as their plane exited the tarmac and ended with a welcome home parade in the terminal with hundreds of loved ones and community members supporting them. The Veterans carried this banner through the whole day and then our Red Tail Cadets carried the banner through the airport parade finishing the celebration. The Veteran Ladies had an incredible and full day and we were so happy to see them home last night.

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