Cadet Orientation Flights

The cadet orientation flight program shares with cadets the thrill of flying. Every CAP cadet under age 18 is eligible for five flights in a powered aircraft (usually a single-engine Cessna), five flights in a glider aircraft, and an unlimited number of backseat flights when conditions allow.

Flying is always free to cadets. Because survey data has repeatedly shown that the #1 reason youth become CAP cadets is an interest in flying, to motivate cadets fly them regularly.

​​Each orientation flight (aka "O" Rides) has specified learning objectives that orient each cadet to some fundamental principles of flying.  A brief overview of the powered orientation curriculum is listed below:

1. First Flight:  Ground Handling, pre-flight, take-off and landing

2. Second Flight:  Normal Flight Maneuvers (trim for level flight, discussion of the 4 forces of flight, basic turns)

3. ​Third Flight: Advanced Flight Maneuvers (climbing, slow flight, turning stalls, discuss rudder coordination and control stick requirements)

4. Fourth Flight:  Use of instruments in Flight

5. Fifth Flight:  Discussion and demonstration of the effect of weather on flight