Cadet Aerospace Education

 

Civil Air Patrol cadets experience flight firsthand through the efforts of CAP adult volunteers, aviation enthusiasts eager to share their love of flying. Often, it is through CAP that a young person receives the first flight of his/her life. Aviation education is delivered in both the classroom and the cockpit.  Cadets gain an understanding of the complex forces that cause an aircraft to achieve lift and other fundamental topics such as navigation, engines and aerospace history.

Orientation Flights: Through orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft, cadets develop a love of aviation at no cost to them. Paired with an experienced CAP volunteer pilot, cadets help preflight the aircraft, observe takeoff procedures and while aloft actually manipulate the controls and perform basic flight maneuvers. The program also enables cadets to learn about meteorology, navigation and aircraft instrumentation and technology. Cadets fly approximately 16,000 hours in powered aircraft and 7,000 sorties in gliders each year.

Flight Academies: Having experienced the wonder of flight, advanced cadets pursue formal flight training. During powered and glider flight academies, CAP provides cadets with reasonably priced flight instruction in an age-appropriate learning environment. As evidenced by their camaraderie and teamwork, cadets help one another master the complexities and sobering responsibilities of flight during an unforgettable week of intense training. Each summer, approximately 200 cadets learn to fly at CAP flight academies.

 

Cadet Scholarship Program

Flight and College Scholarships: Aviation is prohibitively expensive for most youth. In partnership with charitable organizations and colleges, CAP helps cadets pursue flight training and/or post-secondary education through scholarships. Nearly $300,000 is available annually.

Air Force Career Explorations: Air Force leaders introduce cadets to career opportunities during weeklong familiarization courses each summer. Cadets experience firsthand the exciting aspects of a career that interests them. For example:    

                  • Instructor pilots show cadets what it takes to fly Air Force jets.

                 • Space systems operators explain how they launch satellites into orbit.

                 • Para rescue men train cadets in land navigation and wilderness skills.

                 • Meteorologists teach cadets how to analyze weather patterns and spot storms.

High-Technology Career Explorations:

In partnership with leading universities and businesses, cadets experience fast-growing, technology intensive aerospace fields. Career explorations take place at week-long academies each summer that often include significant time inside engineering and computer labs. For example:

• Engineers show cadets how to design, build and test airfoils using space-age composite materials.
• Computer scientists teach cadets how to take aerial photos and use software to track satellites.
• Aerospace technicians explain how they manufacture, assemble and maintain aircraft.

  Over 1,200 cadets participate in over 30 national cadet special activities each summer. National     CAP provides about $420,000 annually to help defray cadets' educational expenses nationwide.

Cadet Leadership Program

 

Through Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program, young people leadership skills, investigate the fundamentals of aerospace science,habit of exercising regularly, solidify their character, and participate in exciting hands-on activities that prepare them to become responsible citizens.

Youth the ages of 12 to 18 may join the CAP Cadet Program and remain in cadet status until they turn 21. Middle school students may join before turning 12, if their school participates in the CAP School Program.

 

Encampments: During weeklong encampments, which are usually conducted on Air Force bases,

CAP exposes cadets to Air Force values and traditions. First-year cadets develop teamwork and self-confidence in what is for many their first experience away from home. Advanced cadets apply their leadership skills while serving in positions of responsibility; the cadet cadre imparts on junior cadets what is expected of them in the Air Force Auxiliary. Nearly 6,000 cadets participate annually at about 48 different locations. Trained adults supervise and mentor the cadets.

 

Cadet Officer School: Leadership education culminates at the academically rigorous Cadet Officer School, conducted at the Air Force's Air University. Noted scholars in the fields of leadership theory, ethics, national security and communications provide intensive instruction. Cadets learn through lectures, seminars and hands-on exercises.  Approximately 100 cadets participate each summer, with scores more completing similar programs regionally or through distance learning.

 

Civil Air Patrol FL-051 Cadet's Program