Stimulating intellectual curiosity and imparting knowledge of the history, principals and theories involved in aviation and space technologies to coming generations of Americans is vital to our continued preeminance in these fields. But, the questions generally facing the educator are, how can I tailor my course content to such specialties, and how can I take the time to develop the expertise on my own to address these issues?Civil Air Patrol, as an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force comprised of volunteers with an interest in aviation and space, is uniquely qualified to assist the educator in this capacity. In age, our membership spans the spectrum from 12 year-old cadets to retired professional people, and they have varying experience in many fields. They include many pilots (both private general aviation pilots and commercial pilots), technicians in many areas (including airframe and engine maintenance, communications, and space technologies), educators (at many levels), and retired and active military personnel.
Public Law 476 which established Civil Air Patrol's objectives in July of 1946 charged the volunteer agency with three missions of equal importance. One of those three missions was "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 encourage and develop by example the voluntary contribution of private citizens to the public welfare." Today that charge has been expanded to include both aviation and space or Aerospace Education.
Every Civil Air Patrol unit from the Squadron level upward has a senior member who serves as Aerospace Education officer and is responsible for coordination of both internal and external training programs. If your organization is seeking assistance in development or presentation of aerospace related course material, contact your local Civil Air Patrol organization for help.
In Southwestern Missouri, in and around the Branson area, contact the Aerospace Education Officer of the Branson/Tri-Lakes Composite Squadron for information and assistance.
Winter Encampment 2002
Cadet Aerospace Education
