The Aerospace Education Mission

Aerospace education is a CAP Mission, just like Emergency Services and the Cadet Program. It is the only required mission.

The authority for Civil Air Patrol's Aerospace Education and Training Mission is derived from Public Law 476, signed on 1 July 1946. The law states the objectives and purposes of CAP are to provide an organization to encourage and aid American citizens in the contribution of their efforts, services, and resources in the development of aviation and in the maintenance of air supremacy... and to provide aviation education and training, especially to the senior and cadet members...

All Civil Air Patrol members are obligated to involve themselves in aerospace education. All CAP Members are required to:

Be informed on aerospace developments and issues
Speak out on aerospace matters at appropriate formal occasions and during informal daily contacts
Share aerospace knowledge and experiences with CAP members and the general public.

The CAP Aerospace Education Programs

Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Programs implement the AE mission goals and objectives. These AE programs provide an understanding and appreciation of aviation and space exploration in our world. Aerospace Education is communicating knowledge, skills and attitudes relating to aerospace activities and the total impact of air and space technology upon society.

CAP has an Internal Program that reaches out to its members, and an External Program for the general public. These programs are described below.

The Internal AE Program

For Cadets

AE is a major part of the cadet program. Cadets must complete formal aerospace education requirements to progress through the various achievements. CAPM 52-16 defines the cadet program and outlines the aerospace education requirements.

For Senior Members

AE Program for Senior Members (AEPSM). A self-paced study program based upon the CAP text, Aerospace: The Challenge. All senior members have the responsibility to read and become knowledgeable of the content of the text. Upon satisfactory completion, members receive the Brigadier General Charles E. Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award and are authorized to wear the AE ribbon.

AE Management Skills Development (CAPP 215). This element involves the orientation and training of unit AEOs. Members may progress through Technician, Senior and Master ratings in the Aerospace Education Specialty Track, and are authorized to wear the AE Badge.

AE Leadership Requirements. This element deals with the leadership required for the AE portion of the CAP mission. The term leadership applies to every CAP member, specifically to commanders and AE officers. The unit commander will staff each authorized AE position with competent individuals who will bring teaching skills, educational instruction strategies, and knowledge of the purpose and requirements of providing aerospace education to the unit. Region, wing, unit commanders and AEOs will provide leadership and assistance to ensure a quality AE program.

AE Information Updates. This element is a continuing education effort to provide CAP members with a quarterly AE update in the Civil Air Patrol News. The articles will inform CAP members about aerospace developments and activities. The AEO is responsible for: (1) ensuring all members of the unit read and understand the updated information and (2) maintaining an aerospace education library containing these updates.

AE Performance Activities. This element enables CAP members to promote AE within CAP and in their communities. A series of AE performance guides is available to help achieve this element.

The External AE Program

Aerospace Education Workshops (AEWs). CAP makes an outstanding contribution to the educational system by supporting AE workshops in school systems and colleges throughout the country. These workshops are designed to provide educators with a basic knowledge of aerospace and are part of an education institution's course of study.

AE in Local Schools. CAP personnel cooperate with schools to promote teacher AE efforts, provide AE units of instruction, assist with materials, resource people, appropriate assembly programs, arranging field trips, etc.

AE Materials. CAP has numerous educational materials to enhance and supplement academic curricula. These materials are available to educators, AEOs, and other CAP members.

Aerospace Organizations and Agencies. AE organizations, government agencies, and the private sector in each state provide AE opportunities, resources and materials. These organizations include:

State Department of Education	State Aeronautics Commission
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)	Ninety-Nines
Air Force Association	U.S. Space Foundation

National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). The NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation. It is an annual event sponsored by CAP with support from the FAA and NASA. The NCASE promotes an understanding of aviation and space education and motivates and encourages educators to incorporate AE into their curriculum.CAP members are encouraged to promote and attend NCASE.

Additional Resources

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