Aviation and Aeronautics Business Academy

Take off into the exciting world of the Aviation and Aerospace Business Academy! The Aviation and Aeronautics Business Academy is a unique educational experience that provides you with an introduction to innovation and stellar networking opportunities. At this hands-on academy, you’ll explore how the skies meet strategy as you dive into entrepreneurship, and the many careers that keep the aviation industry soaring. From designing projects to meeting with industry leaders, this program gives cadets a real insider’s view of aviation and business— stay in Queens and get a front-row view of NYC’s aviation world!

What You’ll Do at Aviation & Aeronautics Business Academy

• Develop your own aviation-related projects using real-world business principles

• Practice product development, project management, research, and marketing skills

• Learn from industry experts, including NASA engineers, SpaceX professionals, airport operations staff, TSA, NYPD TARU, politicians, and Vaughn College professors

• Fly virtual planes and manage air traffic in flight and ATC simulators

• Participate in a team capstone project that challenges your innovation and entrepreneurial skills

• Explore NYC through airport and museum tours while living in a college dorm for an authentic college experience

• Network with professionals who provide guidance and insight into aviation careers

Why You Should Apply

• Gain first-hand exposure to the current and future state of the aviation industry

• Learn essential skills for innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, and presenting

• Explore nearly every aviation career imaginable—from aircraft maintenance to air traffic control, flight instruction, and beyond

• Build connections with industry professionals who can guide your career aspirations

• Experience college life and teamwork on a real campus

Ready to explore a future business career?

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love of aviation into a real-world career, this academy is your runway. You’ll get to work on exciting projects, learn from experts who actually do the jobs you’re curious about, and explore New York City while getting a taste of college life. By the end of the program, you’ll leave not only with new skills and insights but also with connections and experiences that can give you a leg up in the aviation industry. So, pack your ideas, bring your curiosity, and get ready for takeoff!

Contact for Activity: 1stLt Eden West

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MvuynZXZE/

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 age 16 by activity start date

• Must be under 21 years of age at activity end

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

Staff Application Information

Cadets:

• Must be at least age 16 by activity start date

• Must be under 21 years of age at activity end

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Must have previous cadet staff experience of be a graduate from previous Aeronautics & Aviation Business Academy

•  

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Previous experience in a squadron or wing administration, PAO, finance, cadet programs or transportation staff position 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. 

Senior Members: In addition to applying in eServices, please email a letter stating why you want to attend ABA as senior staff member to Activity Director 1stLt Eden West

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. 

• 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 LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and the activity location.

• Required Staff Training on TBD at Vaughn College.