Aerospace Education

Rocketry

Rocketry


Once again, the nation is turning its eyes toward space.

The space race of the 1950’s and ’60’s drove Americans’ interest in aerospace to a fever pitch. Since then, the public’s enthusiasm has waned. In 2004, however, President Bush renewed the nation’s commitment to lunar space travel as well as a manned flight to the planet Mars. The scientists and astronauts who will make that happen are sitting in America’s classroom today, and it’s the focus of the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education mission to introduce all Americans to the wonders and excitement of aviation and space.

Aerospace For Cadets…
Cadets have a mandatory aerospace education program. They must learn about aerospace education to progress in Civil Air Patrol. 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 by actually flying during cadet orientation flights.

FCCS Cadets are fortunate to have major Aerospace Education events right in their own back yard. Both the National Cadet Special Activity entitled Aerospace Education Academy as well as Wisconsin Wing’s own AE Weekend are held in nearby Oshkosh WI. Cadets attending either of these activities test their skills by making and launching their own rockets, build model airplanes as a team and get the chance to fly them by remote control. They have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s great aviation museums (E.A.A. Museum at Oshkosh) and receive hands-on experience flying a CAP airplane.

Aerospace For Senior Officers…
Civil Air Patrol adult members have an elective aerospace education program. Members may participate in the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM) and earn the Charles E. ‘Chuck’ Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award. Seniors may earn the “Technician,” “Senior,” or” Master” ratings in the 215 Aerospace Education Officer Specialty Training Track. Seniors may use attendance at a National Conference 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.