1.
Do cadets earn Air Force flying ratings?
2. What flying courses are available?
3. Are extracurricular flying courses available?
1. Do cadets earn
Air Force flying ratings?
Cadets do not earn Air Force "wings" at the Academy; however,
cadets who complete several airmanship and navigation courses during
their four years can gain sufficient flight experience, which serves
as excellent preparation for pilot or navigator training after graduation.
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2. What flying
courses are available?
Qualified cadets who wish to attend pilot training after graduation
are required to complete the Introductory Flight Training (IFT)
Program during their first-class year or prior to attending Undergraduate
Pilot Training (UPT). While attending IFT, individuals earn their
Private Pilot License. Cadets may also enroll in additional courses
in avionics, astronomy, special topics in aviation and Air Force
operations.
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3. Are extracurricular
flying courses available?
Yes. Cadets may participate in flying through extracurricular programs
such as soaring, parachuting and the Cadet Aviation Club. Soaring
training is held on a year-round basis and is available to every
cadet. The basic course includes dual and solo instruction involving
approximately 15 flights. Upper-class cadets can compete for selection
to Soaring Instructor Pilot Training. Once qualified, the cadet
instructors, who are supervised by rated Air Force officers, instruct
other cadets. Some selected upper-class cadets who have completed
advanced flying programs may earn a Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) certificate through the rating of flight instructor and join
the Soaring Society of America. All soaring is conducted in either
Academy sailplanes or powered gliders. Parachute training is also
available to selected cadets who volunteer and meet stringent physical
requirements. The basic parachuting course involves five free-fall
jumps. Some selected cadets from the basic course will take advanced
courses to become parachute instructors for other cadets. These
instructors, known as jumpmasters, may become members of the "Wings
of Blue" parachute team and may qualify for a U.S. Parachute
Association rating. The Cadet Aviation Club is open to all cadets
who are interested in pursuing flying as an extracurricular activity.
As members of the club, cadets can earn FAA ratings from private
pilot through instructor pilot. Also, selected cadets may become
members of the Cadet Competition Flying team.
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