Orientation Flights

Orientation flights give cadets an introduction to flying, how the aircraft functions, and provide a unique opportunity unknown to most. Every Civil Air Patrol 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.  These orientation flights are always free to cadets.  For more information on the flight process, see Cadet Orientation Flight Program Guide.

Glider Orientation Flights:

Glider flights are offered at the Stanton airfield near Cannon Falls, MN.  We plan a squadron event annually for glider flights.  They will be scheduled on a Monday-Friday during the day.  Look for information at the Squadron on this in spring!

Powered Orientation Flights:

For powered orientation flights, Cadets work with a licensed Civil Air Patrol pilot to perform preflight, startup, taxi, takeoff, cruise, and landing operations. Once in flight, cadets will be flying the plane under the pilot’s supervision (the pilots will perform takeoffs and landings, and the flights are scripted to introduce cadets to different aspects of real-world flying).  "Request an O Flight" so we know you're interested. 

Please be patient as we are limited by daylight, visibility, wind, and other weather conditions. It is common to be weathered out so please monitor your email before coming to the squadron on your scheduled flight day.

To participate in Orientation Flights as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet, you must:

• Be a Civil Air Patrol Cadet under age 18

• Have a current CAP cadet membership

• Have had less than five front seat orientation flights

• Have a full Civil Air Patrol uniform

We also take requests for powered Orientation Flights from ROTC cadets and educators for the Teachers Orientation Program.

Bring the following for a powered orientation flight:

1. ID Card for program (Civil Air Patrol ID, ROTC ID, Teachers ID)

2. CAPF 60-80 - Parental Permission Form signed by parent and/or guardian

3. Full utility uniform including cover, blouse, belt, boots, etc. 

4. Sunglasses

5. Small bottle of water

6. Light snack (we recommend your cadet eat a light breakfast to minimize stomach issues in flight)

7. Camera, phone, etc. 

8. Inquisitive attitude

Parents: View Your Cadet's Flight in the Air!

• FlightAware: Use this app to track the flight. Be sure to get the aircraft number before it leaves the hanger.

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) – Young Eagles Program:

Once your cadet completes their first Orientation Flight, they will be able to request the Sporty’s online ground school for free ($250 value) through the EAA Young Eagles program. Once your cadet completes the Sporty’s online ground school, they will be eligible for a $130 voucher for flight lessons from the EAA. Once they pass the FAA Knowledge Test, the EAA will reimburse them $160 for the cost of taking the test.  To get started, see the information on ground school on the Learn to Fly page for more details!

Request a Powered Orientation Flight