USAFA - United States Air Force Academy

what you can’t learn from a book
As early as your first summer, you’ll be exposed to
flight via a flying orientation mission.
Cadets receive instruction in the concepts of flight,
navigation and operations. All cadets are provided the
opportunity to enroll in a soaring air and space course,
where they’ll pilot a sailplane and even have the chance
to fly solo. All cadets also have the opportunity to take
an elective course in free-fall parachuting and earn
their basic military jump wings.
Some cadets go on to become instructors in various
aviation and airmanship programs. Those who desire
and are qualified for Undergraduate Pilot Training
(UPT) after graduation take a flight-screening course
in which they learn to fly and solo a propeller-driven
aircraft.
The “Project Fledgling” voluntary aviation program
includes a classroom introduction to basic aviation
principles, as well as flying time in T-6 simulators.
Elective aviation courses provide first-hand flight
experience while furthering cadets’ knowledge and
understanding of the flight environment by teaching
flight concepts, basic and advanced aviation, and
instrument principles and procedures.
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