One of the three primary missions of Civil Air Patrol is Aerospace Education. Through the execution of the mission,
CAP strives to educate everyone about the benefits of aerospace. The Aerospace Mission, commonly referred to as AE
within CAP, has been divided into two areas - Internal and External. The Interal aspect works towards education the members
of CAP about aerospace. Educating non-CAP personnel falls into the category of External Education.
Internal Education
The CAP Aerospace Internal Education program focuses differently on cadets and on senior members. Cadet aerospace
education works through a number of methods to help share the excitement and wonder of aviation. The primary thrust
of the education mission comes through the Aerospace Textbook that CAP cadets use for their promotions. Cadets are
expected to read their textbook and develop a command of the material. This is then tested through a series of written
tests. Cadets must receive a 60% on a 50 questions aerospace test in order to earn a promotion.
The second phase of cadet aerospace education involves flight training. CAP cadets, unlike CAP senior members,
can earn their private pilot's certificate in CAP aircraft. Each year wings and National Headquarters sponsor Flight
Academies where cadets can earn their solo rating in powered and glider aircraft. Typically only the cutting edge are
admitted to these encampment because enrollment is limited. With or without the Flight Academy experience, a cadet can
earn their license to fly. Typically a license earned through CAP will cost 50%-75% less than at a local FBO or flight
school. Cadets must use CFI's who are CAP members during their training.
The last aspect of cadet aerospace education deals with hands on aerospace experiences. Each squadron has an assigned
Aerospace Officer who is responsible for teaching classes, arranging tours, and setting up demonstrations. In addition,
cadets are eligible for up to nine Orientation Flights during their cadet career. These flight are not flight training,
but they introduce cadets to the world of aviation and seek to develop excitement and enthusiasm about aviation. Cadets
are also eligible to attend many special activities that are aviation related such as the Air Force Space Command Familiarization
Course, the Air Force Air Education and Training Commander Familiarization Training Course, the National Glider Encampment,
a joint activity with Embry-Riddle University and another with TransCom Flight Academy. Cadets can earn scholarships
towards their pilot's license or other aviation related activities.
Senior Aerospace Training
Senior members also participate in the aerospace education mission. CAP offers proficiency training and numerouse
opportunities for pilots to increase their skills. All senior members are eligible to earn the General Chuck Yeager
Aerospace Award by studying selected materials and passing an exam. A third way that senior members continue their aerospace
education is through working with the cadet aerospace program. Whether it is being a flight instructor, Orientation
Pilot, teaching classes, or taking tours - seniors have excellent opportunities to learn about the world of aviation.
External Education
Obviously not every American is a CAP member. Therefore to be successful in carrying out our Aerospace Mission, the
CAP must reach out ot non-membes and offer them a chance to learn. Through Flight Clinics, presentations, and the NCASE,
the CAP works very hard to keep the public informed. Cadets are expected to be well-versied in aerospace and answer
quetrsions that their friends or family might have about a current aviation event..
The NCASE is a national conference where teachers get togetjer to learn about introducing aerospace into their classrooms.
CAP also produces a secial textbook and support materials to help teach spread the word about aviation.
