Cadet Orientation Flights

Through orientation flights in powered aircraft, cadets experience flight first-hand. CAP's pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for each flight, and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Orientation flights are free to cadets. See the unit commander for information about when the next opportunity to fly is scheduled.

Only adult volunteers who are members of CAP and have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI may serve as cadet orientation pilots. Local leaders will introduce you to the pilot if you ask.

CAP pilots are licensed by the FAA. Moreover, pilots must meet additional requirements set by CAP. Pilots have over 200 hours as pilot-in-command in the class of aircraft they’re flying. Further, all pilots will have passed an annual written exam that tests their airmanship, passed an annual check flight with a CAP check pilot, demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the cadets’ flight syllabus, and received the approval of their wing commander. In short, CAP requires much more from the pilots who fly your cadet than the federal government does.

CAP does allow cadets to handle the controls while aloft. Learning how planes fly is the main goal of the program. However, the pilot remains in command at all times, and only the pilot will fly the airplane during takeoff, landing, and other critical moments of the flight.

No. Cadets fly only in fair weather, under conditions that the FAA calls “visual flight rules.”

During routine cadet orientation flights and with few exceptions, most cadets will fly in a CAP-owned single-engine Cessna 172 or 182. During special events, cadets may be eligible for orientation flights aboard military aircraft, primarily cargo aircraft, tankers, or helicopters.  

For CAP orientation flights, a small airport near your hometown will probably serve as the day’s base of operations. The cadets may stay in the immediate vicinity, or fly to a nearby airport, land, switch seats, and return to the original airport. For orientation flights in military aircraft, cadets will likely fly from a military airfield. 

No. The flights are educational and fun, but are not intended as formal flight training. If your cadet wants to earn their pilot’s license, you’ll want to look into our cadet flight academies.

Each flight has a theme. Flights focus on basic maneuvers, aircraft instruments, weather, etc. During CAP orientation flights, a detailed syllabus guides the pilot.

CAP never charges cadets for orientation flights. 

Yes. Each cadet may receive up to 5 CAP orientation flights in the front seat and unlimited flights in the back seat. 

CAP pilots closely monitor how the cadets are feeling while aloft. Airsickness bags are always available, and the pilot can land the aircraft within a few minutes’ time. Also, it helps to have a light snack but not a full meal shortly before flying. If your cadet is prone to motion sickness, please tell your local leaders beforehand.

Cadets are never obligated to fly, but we hope they at least give it a try. CAP works to ease cadets’ anxieties in a number of ways. Through classroom instruction, cadets learn the basic science that makes flight possible. They’ll meet the pilot and find them to be trustworthy and reassuring. On the day of their flight, cadets will help the pilot pre-flight the airplane and get to see firsthand that their plane is airworthy. They’ll see their fellow cadets flying and having a fantastic time. If your cadet is particularly nervous, please talk with your local CAP leaders beforehand. They’ll be glad to help.

At a minimum, cadets will need to wear a uniform. They also might want to bring some chewing gum, bottled water, sunglasses, and a smart phone or camera.

Parents and guardians might be needed to help with transportation, to provide snacks, and chaperone cadets. If you’re willing to help, please talk with your local CAP leaders.