Learn to Fly
Safe, Fun, Educational
CAP is America’s premier opportunity for air-minded youth. Thanks to CAP adult volunteers, cadets learn about the fundamentals of aviation through classroom activities, self-study texts, orientation flights, and formal flight training. Starting in 2019, there has been a dramatic increase in opportunities for cadets to fly. Many of these courses will let cadets earn their private pilot license. While entry to some of these programs is highly competitive, most programs are open to any cadet and all cadets receive some aerospace education experience as part of the cadet program. You've reached the Cadet Flying Home Page, your source for information about:
Free cadet memberships in aviation organizations
Elective activities for individual cadets and squadrons
Orientation Flights
The 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) 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.
Resources:
Free Cadet Memberships in Aviation Organizations
Three of the biggest aviation organizations in America – AOPA, EAA, and SSA – show their support for CAP cadets by offering them free memberships and other benefits. Cadets who are aspiring aviators should take advantage of these great opportunities (external links):
AOPA AV8Rs – free membership benefit for cadets
EAA Young Eagles – free membership benefit for cadets
Soaring Society of America - free membership benefit for cadets
-- SSA program info
Elective Activities for Individual Cadets & Squadrons
Aviation 101
This online, video-based course is provided to cadets at no cost by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. If you want to learn aviation fundamentals and how to become a licensed pilot, start here.
Format: Online only
Audience: Individual cadets, any grade
For Details: See Aviation 101 home page
Flight Academies
Cadets who have completed some orientation flights, studied their Aerospace Dimensions texts, and participated in some of the electives shown above are ready to pursue formal flight instruction leading to a solo flight or private pilot license. CAP operates flight academies in single-engine and glider aircraft, primarily in the summer. Admission to these programs is competitive and open to those cadets who have actively participated in CAP and who have maintained good academic standing in school. Several College Park cadets have completed CAP flight academies
Format: In-residence, overnight activity, typically 1-week in duration
Audience: Cadets who have graduated encampment
For Details: See National Cadet Special Activities home page
Flight Scholarships
It’s no secret that flight training is expensive. CAP supports cadets in their aviation career aspirations through college and flight scholarship programs. Most scholarships are competitive, benefitting cadets who have ranked-up in the Cadet Program, graduated from encampments, and participated in some of the electives shown on this page.
For Details: See the Scholarships home page
