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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.
The Daedalian Foundation shares the cost of training with the flight for up to three students per year with funds from the Tex Hill and Les Leavoy DFT Scholarship accounts.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: be a U.S. citizen, fluent in English, completing the sophomore year of high school or enrolled in an accredited college program, demonstrate the desire and be physically qualified to become a military aviator to serve in the armed forces of the United States.
The late Air Force Lt. Col. Les Leavoy was a veteran fighter pilot with 87 combat missions in the P-47 in World War II, served during the Korean Conflict and flew 250 combat missions in the F-100 while serving three tours as a squadron commander during the Vietnam War. Leavoy also commanded the 4515th and 4511th Combat Crew Training Squadrons at Luke AFB, Arizona, and finished his career as the Air Force advisor to the Texas Air National Guard. He flew over 6,500 hours in fighter aircraft, including the P-40, P-47, P-51, F-84, F-86 and F-100. Each year, the Les Leavoy DFT Endowment provides 100 percent funding to cadets at Ft. Worth Flight 23 and Ft. Hood Flight 103.
The late Air Force Reserve Brig. Gen. David “Tex” Hill earned his wings as a naval aviator and, in 1941, was recruited by Claire Chennault to the 1st American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers). He became an ace in 1942 after shooting down four Japanese fighters and a bomber. He commanded a squadron in China and was a double ace with 12 aerial victories when the Flying Tigers disbanded in 1942. Hill then joined the USAAF flying the P-51, commanding the 23rd Fighter Group and scored six more victories against Japanese aircraft. He again saw combat during the Korean Conflict with the Texas Air Guard. The Tex Hill DFT Scholarship provides supplemental funding to participating Daedalian flights across the country.
“It’s our history to lead and our dedication to the future generations that make the Flying Training Program the beginning of a great circle of a military career.”
Then-Capt. B.A. Shwanda, USAF