Aerospace Education

Internal Aerospace Education Program:

Civil Air Patrol's internal program has two parts, one for cadets and and one for senior members. Cadets have a mandatory aerospace education program. They must learn about aerospace education to progress in Civil Air Patrol. The governing regulation for Cadet aerospace education is CAP Regulation 52-16. Cadets must pass formal tests to progress in the achievement levels and in the awards system. Cadets are presented with aerospace education opportunities as part of squadron meetings, encampments and field trips and through guest speakers, model building and flying. Senior members have an elective aerospace education program. The publications containing information on aerospace education for senior members are CAP Regulation 50-17, CAP Regulation 280-2, and CAP Pamphlet 215. Another important publication outlining duties and responsibilities for all Aerospace Education Officers is CAP Pamphlet 15, the Aerospace Education Officers' Handbook. Senior members may participate in the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM) and earn the Charles E. ‘Chuck' Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award (see CAPR 280-2). Seniors may earn the "Technician," "Senior," or" Master" ratings in the 215 Aerospace Education Officer Specialty Training Track (see CAPP 215). Seniors may use attendance at a National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, attendance at a Region Aerospace Education Conference or preparing an aerospace manuscript for publication, to fulfill certain Senior Member Training Program progression requirements (see CAPR 50-17).

External Aerospace Education Program:

The external program is founded on the principles of community outreach. The objective, as specified in CAP's 1946 Congressional charter, is to "... encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities." In later years, the words "civil aviation" changed to "aerospace education." CAP has focused on schools and teachers as an excellent way to promote aerospace. Teachers can use aerospace themes and experiences to excite students, to teach a variety of subjects, and to develop special activities such as field trips, science competitions, model building, art contests, science fairs, etc. And, it is an excellent way to expose students to aerospace career opportunities while meeting national curriculum standards. An important part of CAP's external program is the Aerospace Education Member (AEM) Program. This program is designed primarily for teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade who want to promote aerospace education in their schools using CAP educational products and resources. For their $30 annual membership dues, AEMs receive a membership certificate, lapel pin, periodic newsletters, special educational products, the opportunity to participate in CAP's School Aerospace Excellence Award Program, etc. Recognizing their budgets are tight, we also have a special $15 annual membership rate for undergraduate student teachers. If military airlift is available, AEMs receive priority seating on aircraft traveling to CAP's National Congress on Aviation and Space Education. In May 1998, CAP's governing board modified the AEM program to allow organizations to join CAP and for a designated individual in that organization to receive the AEM membership benefits.

National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE):

NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference of its kind in the nation. It is also one of Civil Air Patrol’s major contributions to America’s aerospace education community. CAP uses this forum to promote science, math and technology in today’s classrooms. Presented annually since 1968, NCASE brings together educators from around the nation to learn from a variety of gifted speakers and motivational teachers. Aerospace-oriented hands-on activities for all grade levels are offered in a variety of break-out sessions. Educators share new experiences and discover learning tools that will capture the imagination of their students. Teachers learn how the wonders of aviation and space can be a way to teach ordinary subjects in an extraordinary way. Several awards are presented during the conference including the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award, the National Aeronautic Association’s Frank G. Brewer Trophy, National Coalition for Aviation Education Leadership Award, and the National Congress Crown Circle for Aerospace Education Leadership.