Aerospace Education
The Civil Air Patrol defines Aerospace Education as:
"The branch of general education concerned with communicating knowledge, skills, and attitudes about aerospace activities and the total impact of air and space vehicles upon society."
Aerospace Education is a one of three primary missions of CAP are set forth in Public Law 476, which incorporated the Civil Air Patrol on July 1, 1946. Our Aerospace Education programs accomplish the mission goals and objectives by providing an understanding and appreciation of aviation and space exploration in our world. Aerospace Education targets communication of knowledge, skills and attitudes relating to aerospace activities and the total impact of air and space technology upon society. CAP provides internal Aerospace Education programs to members and external programs to the general public.
Q Cadet Program - Cadets have a mandatory aerospace education program as part of CAPR 52-16, Cadet Program Management. Cadets must pass formal tests to progress in the achievement levels and in the awards system. CAP maintains an active model rocketry program and sponsors a nationwide team competition. |
Q Senior Program - The CAP officers have an elective aerospace education program. Officers must learn about aerospace to serve as mentors and role models for the cadets and to support the external aerospace education program. Officers may earn the Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award. |
Q External Program - The external program is community outreach focused on schools and teachers as a way to promote aerospace education. Educators may join CAP as an Aerospace Education Member. In addition, CAP offers the Fly a Teacher program to encourage the incorporation of aerospace education in the classroom. |