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Aerospace Education

As one of the Civil Air Patrols three primary missions, Aerospace Education offers a variety of opportunities 


Orientation Flights

Cadet during an orientation flightThe cadet orientation flight program shares with cadets the thrill of flying. Every CAP cadet under age 18 is eligible for five flights in a powered aircraft (usually a single-engine Cessna), five flights in a glider aircraft, and an unlimited number of backseat flights when conditions allow. 

  • Orientation flights are always free to cadets.

  • Survey data has repeatedly shown that the #1 reason youth become CAP cadets is an interest in flying.

Aircraft Preflight Check
Aircraft Preflight Check
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Jakob Helvick
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Jakob Helvick
Cadet Airman First Class Rasmussen
Cadet Airman First Class Rasmussen
Cadet Major Caleb Gregory
Cadet Major Caleb Gregory

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

Arial image taken by a CAP drone during a Search and Rescue Exercise.CAP offers opportunities to work with drones, used in Search and Rescue, and Quadcopters. 

  • Cadets can learn to fly remote-controlled quadcopters while learning more about the dynamics and forces of flight and improving skills like hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and teamwork activities. 

  • Learn about potential careers in the use of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) or remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA). 

For more information on the program click here: sUAS Information

(This link will open a new browser window outside the CAP.GOV domain.)
 

Drone in flight.Cadet flying drone.Drone landing on target.

Arial image was taken by CAP drone during an Emergency Service Exercise.
 Photos: Drone in flight, drone training, and targeted landing, taken during an sUAS training day.

Model Rocketry Program

Model Rocketry BadgeCAP's Model Rocketry program is an achievement program for cadets interested in the science, technology, and flight of model rockets. The program builds on the foundation of Aerospace Dimensions, Module 4 Rockets, to introduce cadets to the hobby and science of model rocketry. It begins with simple alternative-power models and progressively challenges cadets with more advanced models. Cadets go through three stages of classroom studies and tests before going into the field and launching rockets.

  •  The Redstone Stage reviews the history of rocketry and its great pioneers, including Robert Goddard and Werhner Von Braun.

  • The Titan Stage details the physical laws which govern objects on the Earth, in the air, and in space above us.

  • The Saturn Stage presents information on trigonometry for altitude tracking and physics of impulse and thrust associated with solid propellant motors typically used in model rocketry.

Upon successful completion of all levels and rocket launches Cadets who complete the written and performance requirements for each of the 3 stages, as certified by their unit commander, will be awarded the Cadet Model Rocketry Badge.

For more information on the program click here: Model Rocketry Program

(This link will open a new browser window outside the CAP.GOV domain.)

 The three Cyber Badges that can be earned.

Cyber Badge 

While participating in the Cyber Patriot Program Cadets can also earn the Cadet Cyber Badge. CAP is participating in a timely technological initiative, Cyber Patriot, the National Youth Cyber Education Program, sponsored by the Air Force Association, to educate the next generation of patriotic cyber defenders of our nation's security and infrastructure. This highly competitive and technological event is training a new generation to ensure America is prepared to defend its national security from the air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. 

For more information on the program click here: CyberPatriot Program 

(This link will open a new browser window outside the CAP.GOV domain.)

The three STEM Badges that can be earned.

STEM Badge

Opportunities for the STEM Badge to be earned include participation in drone flight, use of flight simulators, and hands-on activities in Aerospace Education.  


Civil Air Patrol’s awarding-winning aerospace education program promotes aerospace, aviation, and STEM-related careers with engaging, standards-based, hands-on curriculum and activities. It shapes the experiences and aspirations of youth both in and outside of CAP’s cadet program.

 

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