DAEDALIAN FLYING TRAINING
Educating, inspiring and empowering America's youth to pursue military aviation.
Daedalian Flying Training is a four-way partnership of the Daedalian Foundation, participating flights, FAA-certified flight schools and selected candidates. Sponsored by the Daedalian Foundation and participating Daedalian flights across the country, successful applicants will receive ground and flight training necessary to achieve a solo flight in a general aviation fixed-wing aircraft.
DFT CADETS 2024
Six JROTC Cadets completed solo in 2024
2024 CADETS pictured with CAPT Dan McCort, Flight Captain
DFT Solo Students in 2023
Six (6) JROTC cadets achieved their first solo flight.
This is a greater number of solos than any other Flight.
Shangri-La Flight 21 Matching Scholarship
Cadet Benjamin Tootle, AFROTC
Freshman - University of South Alabama
Major – Aviation Meteorology
Flight Award $2,000, Foundation Award $3,000
In high School, Cadet Tootle served with distinction as Color Guard Commander and led the charge in over 25+ separate events throughout the community. Ben also served as Cadet Corps Group Chief, the highest enlisted position. His numerous accolades include the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award for his leadership and extremely high levels of performance! He was a member of a championship-winning Cross Country and Track & Field teams in high school. In the community, he's given over 140 service hours in community service programs and works part-time at a local restaurant. He managed all this while earning a GPA of 4.02.
His future intentions are to serve as a career US Air Force Pilot flying the AC-130 gunship or with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.
Shangri-La Flight 21 Matching Scholarship
Cadet Colin Nelson, AFROTC
Freshman - Louisiana State University
Major – Petroleum Engineering
Flight award: $2,000, Foundation Award: $3,000
IWith a 4.54 weighted GPA student at Gulf Breeze High School and Pensacola State University Charter Academy, Colin earned his Private Pilot’s License at Purdue University’s AFJROTC Flight Academy in 2024 after completing Daedalian Flight Training in 2023.
In AFJROTC, he has served as Color Guard and Saber Team Commander, and on the award-winning Armed Exhibition Drill Team. His honors include the Air Commando Association Award, Air Force Sergeant’s Association Award, and American Veterans JROTC Medal. He was a member of his high school’s varsity cross country and track teams.
Active in community service, athletics, and leadership, Colin exemplifies the Air Force Core Values.
He plans a career as a U.S. Air Force Special Operations pilot, aiming to fly the AC-130, MC-130J, or OA-1K.