Aerospace Education

Lt Col Virginia M. Nelson, Director of Aerospace Education, DSC

“Aerospace" refers to all flying activities, within the Earth's atmosphere and beyond.

“Aerospace Education" is general (not specialized) education concerned with communicating knowledge, skills, and attitudes about aerospace activities and the total impact of air and space vehicles upon society.

Congress realized a strong aerospace capability, in both military and civilian sectors, is essential to the national well-being. They entrusted Civil Air Patrol with the responsibility of informing and educating its own members, as well as the general public, about aerospace issues.  We need to support aerospace education for the general public, and also develop public understanding of the importance of being aerospace-aware and informed.

We are not trying to train professional aviators; we are giving the people of our country knowledge about air and space, and air and space travel.

Pacific Region Aerospace Education School
March Air Reserve Base, Riverside CA
July 30-Aug 2 with Aug 3 as an optional enrichment day

$50.00 Registration fee holds your slot.

You are invited to attend the Pacific Region Aerospace Education School.  The purpose of this school is threefold: educate CAP AE leaders about their job requirements & the resources available to help them, share ideas  which  improve the AE program and provide AE  enrichment experiences for the participants. 

This is the year for you to attend.   The school is designed for unit aerospace education officers  but is open to all senior members and Mitchell cadets who want to become more involved with aerospace education.  Some of the school topics include: the AE Mission, Responsibilities of the Unit AEO, Orientation Flights, Grant writing, AE for Seniors, AE for Cadets, External AE program, Awards, Robotics, Model building and a presentation from NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.  In addition to the academic classes students will get to participate in several “hands on” activities which can be replicated at the local squadron, tour the AF Predator Drone facility,  and  meet a  WWII Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). 

The AEO School runs Saturday  thru Tuesday.  Wednesday is an optional day for students.  We have tentatively been slotted for an AF C17 refueling flight.  This is subject to change based on AF training requirements.  Students will also have the opportunity to visit the NASA JPL teacher center and pick up free AE lesson plans, posters and videos.

The AEO School costs $50.00 which includes all materials, Saturday barbeque dinner and the Tuesday luncheon.  Lodging is available on March ARB  for $39.00 per night.   Additional information will be sent upon receipt of your registration. The AEO School will make arrangements to pick up students flying into Ontario (ONT) and Riverside (RAL) airports.

Deadline for application is June 30, 2011.  Prepare two copies of CAPF 17.  Submit one copy through proper CAP channels.  Mail the second with your $50.00 registration  fee (payable to Pacific Region CAP) to PACR AEO School, PO Box 6351, March ARB CA 92518-6351.

Questions?  Contact School Director Virginia Nelson vmnelson@juno.com