CHARLIE’S TAILWHEEL ACADEMY FUND
BUILDING BETTER STICK-AND-RUDDER PILOTS.
A $1,800 scholarship honoring Charlie’s legacy through practical tailwheel training.
$1,800
TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
GROUND + FLIGHT
PRACTICAL TAILWHEEL TRAINING
ALL PILOT LEVELS
INCLUDING STUDENT PILOTS
APPLICATION STATUS
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WINDOW IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.
No next application window has been scheduled. Follow Retro-Aero on Facebook for scholarship news and future announcements.
CHARLIE’S LEGACY
A TRADITION WORTH CARRYING FORWARD.
Charlie Melichar served in the United States Navy as an aviation mechanic and later worked as a CFI and CFII in Waukesha, Wisconsin. A lifelong advocate for stick-and-rudder skills, he believed capable pilots are built through practice, judgment, and time in the airplane.
Founded in Charlie’s memory after his passing in December 2023, CTAF helps aspiring aviators develop the skills and confidence that keep traditional flying alive.
PRACTICE. PERSEVERE. PASS IT ON.
THE SCHOLARSHIP
WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS
CTAF provides a $1,800 stipend paid directly to Tailwheel Academy for ground and flight training in a tailwheel aircraft.
PRIMARY TAILWHEEL TRAINING
Build a strong foundation in tailwheel handling and decision-making.
TAILWHEEL ENDORSEMENT
Meet FAA endorsement requirements with practical aircraft-control training.
SPIN & UPSET TRAINING
Develop judgment and recovery skills for real-world situations.
BASIC AEROBATIC TRAINING
Learn aerobatic fundamentals in a safe, structured environment.
TAILWHEEL CFI TRAINING
Prepare future instructors to teach and preserve tailwheel skills.
Recipients have six months to complete the training before unused funds return to CTAF.
THE PROCESS
APPLY. REVIEW. TRAIN.
01
APPLICATION
Complete the CTAF application during the open window with your aviation background, goals, essays, and résumé.
02
SELECTION
Applications are reviewed by Retro-Aero, and selected applicants are notified of the scholarship award.
03
TRAINING
Recipients complete training at Tailwheel Academy and build the skills that keep traditional flying alive.
ELIGIBILITY
WHO MAY APPLY
Minimum age 16. Current FAA student or higher pilot certificate. Current medical when required by the applicant’s certificate.
Full eligibility and completion requirements
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old before beginning training.
- Depending on instructor and aircraft limitations, applicants are recommended to weigh under 190 pounds.
- Applicants must hold a current FAA student pilot certificate or higher.
- A current medical certificate is required when applicable.
- The online application must be completed during the published application window.
- The application, essays, and résumé must be submitted through Retro-Aero.
- Training must be completed within six months of the award.
THE PROGRAM IN ACTION
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Devaski Percivall
Congratulations to Devaski Percivall, our third CTAF scholarship recipient. The 2026 award continues Charlie’s legacy of helping pilots build traditional flying skills through practical tailwheel training. View the recipient announcement →
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Thaina Rodrigues and Kevin Gomez
HELP KEEP TRADITIONAL FLYING SKILLS ALIVE.
Your support helps CTAF turn Charlie’s legacy into meaningful ground and flight training for the next generation of aviators.
Retro-Aero, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.