AF Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training - Rotary - AL

Explore Helicopter and Small UAS Aviation Careers

The Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course – Helicopter-Alabama (SUPTFC-Helo-AL) gives Civil Air Patrol cadets an immersive introduction to the helicopter and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) career fields.

Hosted at Cairns Army Airfield, Alabama, the course exposes cadets to the operational environment, technology, training, and professional standards that support military aviation. Through academic instruction, practical demonstrations, and mentorship from current and former military aviators, cadets gain a realistic understanding of what it takes to serve in aviation-related roles.

Cadets will explore:

• Helicopter aircraft operations: Learn how rotary-wing aircraft support missions such as training, air assault, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, personnel transport, and disaster response.

• sUAS operations and management: Examine the roles of small UAS in modern operations, including mission planning, airspace awareness, crew coordination, risk management, and responsible employment.

• Simulation and virtual training: Experience aviation training tools, including UH-1 virtual-reality devices and aircraft simulators that build familiarization with cockpit systems, procedures, communication, and decision-making in a controlled environment.

• Aircraft maintenance and readiness: Visit maintenance facilities and learn how aviators, crew chiefs, maintainers, and support personnel work together to keep aircraft mission-ready.

• Aircrew flight equipment and egress: Receive instruction on the equipment, safety practices, and emergency procedures that support aircrew operations.

• Academic and professional development: Participate in classroom instruction covering aviation fundamentals, military aviation careers, leadership, operational planning, and the path from cadet to aviation professional.

SUPTFC-Helo-AL is more than an aviation orientation—it is an opportunity for cadets to explore potential futures as helicopter pilots, remotely piloted aircraft or sUAS operators, aviation managers, maintainers, and other aerospace professionals. Cadets will build friendships, learn from experienced mentors, and gain firsthand exposure to the teamwork and discipline required in military aviation.

Contact for Activity: Maj Ronald McKinstry ronald.mckinstry@alwg.us

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: TBA

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

Registration Prerequisites

The following are required at the time of application

• Must be at least 15 years old at start of activity

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in the prior 30 days

• Must be a US Citizen

Staff Application Information

Cadets: Cadet staff applicants must meet the same criteria of participants.

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have updated CAP Health in the prior 30 days

• Must have completed Professional Level 1

• Must be a US Citizen

• Current or Prior Military member, Professional Pilot (Civilian or Military) and/or CAP Mission Pilot experience preferred

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.

• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.

• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.

• Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity.

• You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity.

• You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

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• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

Activity Staff will provide transportation between Emerald Coast Airport (ECP) in Panama City, FL and the activity location.

Required Staff Training conducted via video calls prior to activity start.