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.
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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