Becoming a CAF Pilot

Have you dreamt of flying a warbird?

Let's face it. We've all been there: at an airshow, the ramp at the airport, maybe visiting a hangar or museum, when we saw a neat airplane and wondered, what would it take to fly that?

Since its inception, the New York Wing has prioritized building a new culture and reputation for the warbird movement: being open and inviting to those who want an opportunity to serve. This priority extends to pilots, and we pride ourselves on being upfront and honest about how our crews have made their way into the cockpit.

The mission of the New York Wing, and the broader CAF, is to use historic military aircraft to educate, honor, and inspire. We use a variety of means to support the continued airworthiness, preservation, and restoration of our aircraft, primarily paid flight experiences for the general public and aircraft sponsorship from our pilot cohort. We're immensely thankful to all of our 'riders' and the pilots who devote their time, talent, and treasure to keeping 'em flying! Although the pilot sponsorship program might sound like a flying club, we're focused on ensuring that all prospective pilots bring a mission-oriented, servant-leader attitude to our operations. These aircraft belong to the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, and contributions by pilots are donations, tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS. Consult with a tax attorney; the CAF and the New York Wing cannot provide guidance on your individual situation.

If you're interested in coming to fly for the CAF New York Wing, please contact us here for more information. Complete minimum pilot qualification and sponsorship cost information can be found below.

Minimum Pilot Qualifications

– FAA Private Pilot Certificate (ASEL)

– FAA Third Class Medical or BasicMed

– 200 hours total time (PT-26)

– 500 hours total time (T-6)

– 50 hours retract (T-6)

– 10 hours and 10 landings in tailwheel aircraft in the last 12 months (PT-26)*

– 30 hours and 80 landings in tailwheel aircraft in the last 12 months (T-6)*

Minimum Ride Pilot Qualifications

– FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL)

– FAA Second Class Medical

– 250 hours total time

– 10 hours in type (PT-26/T-6)

Minimum Instructor Pilot Qualifications

– FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL)

– FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (ASE)

– 3 years of teaching experience as a CFI

– 25 hours and 50 landings in type (PT-26)

– 100 hours in type (T-6)

Preferred Pilot Qualifications (all categories)

– FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL/IR)

– FAA Second Class Medical or Higher

– 500 hours total time (PT-26)

– 100 hours tailwheel (T-6)

– 1,000 hours total time (T-6)

– 250 hours tailwheel (T-6)

*These items are often completed during New York Wing initial pilot training, so don't hesitate to reach out if you don't meet them today.

CAF New York Wing Pilot Sponsorship

– One-time PT-26 Aircraft Sponsorship Fee: $1,500

– One-time T-6 Aircraft Sponsorship Fee: $3,500

– Annual NYCAF PT-26 Sponsor Pilot Dues: $1,500**

– Annual NYCAF T-6 Sponsor Pilot Dues: $3,000***

– Annual CAF National Pilot Fee: $300

– Annual CAF National Dues: $225

– Annual NYCAF Dues: $50

– Hourly Rate for PT-26 Training: $200

– Hourly Rate for T-6 Training: $575

Year 1 PT-26 Total: $3,575 + training costs (~$2,000) = $5,575

Year 2+ PT-26 Total: $2,075

Year 1 T-6 Total: $7,075.00 + training costs (~$8,625) = $15,700

Year 2+ T-6 Total: $3,575

Year 1 Dual-Qualified Total: $9,575 + training costs (~$10,625) = $20,200

Year 2+ Dual-Qualified Total: $4,575

**In order to provide a 'sliding scale' for Sponsor Pilots, those who donate their time for paid-ride events are rebated $100 per event at the end of the year.

***In order to provide a 'sliding scale' for Sponsor Pilots, those who donate their time for paid-ride events are rebated $200 per event at the end of the year. Additionally, T-6 dues for dual-qualified PT-26/T-6 Sponsor Pilots are $2,500 instead of $3,000.