Aerospace Education

CAP's aerospace education efforts focus on two different audiences: volunteer CAP members and the general public. The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. To advance within the organization, members are required to participate in the educational program. Aerospace educators at CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., provide current materials that reflect the highest standards of educational excellence. Aerospace education is divided into two parts: internal and external.

The internal aerospace education program has two parts as well: cadet and senior. Cadets complete aerospace education as one of the requirements to progress through the achievement levels of the cadet program. Senior members have a responsibility to become knowledgeable of aerospace issues and the AE program that CAP provides. They are further encouraged to share the information obtained with their local communities and school systems.

CAP's external aerospace programs are conducted through our nation's educational system. Each year, CAP sponsors many workshops in states across the nation, reaching hundreds of educators and thereby thousands of young people. These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology. CAP's aerospace education members receive more than 20 free aerospace education classroom materials.

To learn more about CAP's aerospace education programs, products, and other resources available to our members, go to www.capmembers.com/ae. For information about joining as an aerospace education member (AEM) and to join online, go to www.capmembers.com/joinaem.

Aerospace Education is also one of the most exciting aspects of the CAP Cadet Program. Under the guidance of an experienced pilot, cadets ages 12 to 18 may experience powered and glider orientation flights at no cost to the cadet. During these flights, cadets may take the controls and fly the plane as conditions allow. Additionally, cadets can compete for scholarships to help pay for the cost of earning a pilot's license.

Successful mastery of aerospace concepts is a requirement for cadet promotion. All new cadets receive a copy of the Aerospace Dimensions textbook in their New Cadet Kit. Online versions are also available to CAP members.