Orientation Flights

Orientation Flights

What are Orientation Flights? 

Orientation flights, or "O-Flights" as they are commonly referred to, are an opportunity for CAP cadets to experience flight first-hand. Each cadet has a total of 10 orientation flights to conduct: 5 powered (airplane) and 5 unpowered (glider). Orientation flights are voluntary. Cadets do not need to take a flight if they choose not to. 

Cadets will take to the skies in one of Civil Air Patrol's fleet aircraft, under the command of a qualified pilot, to gain an understanding of what is really involved in operating an aircraft from the pilot's perspective. During their flight, cadets will have a chance to manipulate the flight controls and perform basic flight maneuvers under a defined educational flight syllabus. 

What type of aircraft will cadets fly? 

Orientation flights are conducted in two aircraft categories: powered airplanes and unpowered gliders. While CAP operates a variety of aircraft across the country, Mississippi's powered airplane flights are usually conducted in a Cessna 182 Skylane single-engine, high-performance airplane, or the smaller Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Mississippi has recently acquired a glider that will provide a unique opportunity for cadets to experience glider orientation flights, as many CAP Wings do not have access to a local glider. 

What airport do cadets fly out of?

Madison Cadets will most likely fly out of Bruce Cambell Field in Madison or Hawkins Field in Jackson. Be sure to verify where orientation flights will be operating from prior to the day of flying to ensure you arrive at the correct airport! 

Who actually flies the plane?

While cadets will be able to get their chance to operate the aircraft's flight controls at a safe altitude, all flights are conducted by a qualified CAP Orientation Pilot, or "O-Pilot." O-Pilots are trained and qualified within Civil Air Patrol to specifically perform as educational pilots for cadets. All O-Pilots are certified pilots via the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and must meet a minimum standard of experience and undergo recurrent training to maintain pilot status within CAP. 

Are there any restrictions when flying (e.g., physical limitations)? 

While there is no prescribed restriction on cadets flying, the Pilot-in-Command has the ultimate responsibility over the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The PIC may determine it to be unsafe for any individual to occupy an aircraft. 

While there is no fitness or medical standard for cadets to be "cleared to fly," they should be sure to discuss any known physical issues with their parents/guardians and their Orientation Pilot if there are any concerns. A medical pre-screen is not conducted prior to flying since the flight is a non-intense, educational flight. 

All cadets are required to wear a CAP uniform when flying. Grooming and appearance standards must be maintained. (*Cadets may not wear boots in gliders; athletic shoes will be worn). 

Can cadets log this time as flight instruction? 

Orientation flights do not count toward flight instruction hours for student pilots. While some Orientation Pilots are flight instructors, CAP's orientation flight syllabi are for educational, familiarization purposes only and do not meet the standards for logging flight training time. Cadets, however, do have the opportunity to pursue flight training within Civil Air Patrol. For more information, see the Youth Aviation Initiative site. 

How do cadets sign up for their orientation flights?

The squadron provides a regular sign-up for cadets to schedule their orientation flight, usually at least one month in advance. This is coordinated with the cadets during unit meetings and by email. Cadets who must cancel should attempt to notify the squadron as far in advance as possible so that their slot may be filled with another candidate to avoid having to cancel the flight day. We typically require at least 4 cadets to fly on the same day to make it economical for the cost of operating the aircraft. 

Flight Academies & Flight Scholarships

Flight Academies

Cadets who have completed some orientation flights studied their Aerospace Dimensions texts, and participated in some of the electives shown above are ready to pursue formal flight instruction leading to a solo flight or private pilot certificate. CAP operates flight academies in single-engine and glider aircraft, primarily in the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight Scholarships

It’s no secret that flight training is expensive. CAP supports cadets in their aviation career aspirations through college and flight scholarship programs. Most scholarships are competitive, benefitting cadets who have ranked-up in the Cadet Program, graduated from encampments, and participated in some of the electives shown on this page.