Regarding MNWG Flight Academy

1.) Q: What is a supervised solo?

A: The Flight Instructor stays in the aircraft but does not touch the controls or give verbal advice. If successful the cadet will get wings similar to the solo wings.

2.) Q: What does “solo” mean for a cadet in the power flight program?

A: The Flight Instructor steps out of the aircraft and the cadet will then fly alone. The cadet will perform 1-3 take off and landings at a small airport. The Flight Instructor is in constant contact with the student with a radio from the ground and is observing the flights.

3.) Q: What does “solo” really mean for a cadet in the glider program?

A: As with the powered solo, the Flight Instructor steps out of the aircraft and remains in radio contact. The flight before will be a “supervised solo” with the cadets primary instructor. By that time the cadet will have flown with at least 2 other instructors and they will compare notes before the cadet is signed off for a solo flight. All glider solo flights will be made at Mankato airport.

4.) Q: How do we get in contact with our son or daughter while they are at Flight Academy ?

A: You will receive information with phone numbers well before the flight academy. The most important link you will have with us is our web site: http://www.mncap.org/cp/flightacademy. In the center of the The MN Wing CAP web site home is a direct link to the Flight Academy web sit.

The Flight Academy will be updated regularly with all the information you will need to know, especially staff contact numbers. Please visit it.

5.) Q: Can we come and watch, or can we come for a visit in the evening?

A: No. The cadets need to stay focused due to the intensity of the week. Family members and friends may mean well by stopping by, but it is very distracting for the cadet. Visitors will be asked to leave. Also the schedule is very hectic and time would not allow for visits anyway.

6) Q: I heard they can't have cell phones or call us?

A: This is true. All cell phones will be turned in at Inprocessing if brought. Once again this is to keep the cadet focused. We have made it a priority this year to keep the web site up with as many pictures as possible so that you will at least be able to see your cadet.

7) Q: I noticed the cost has increased in the past few years, what is the reason?

A: Fuel is one of the largest budget items and it has increased along with food, and housing costs. The registration fee covers just over 2/3 the expenses we incur for each cadet each year. To help reduce fee increases we receive donations from individuals and corporations, plus the entire Flight Academy staff is 100% volunteer.

8) Q: How are the Instructor Pilots (IP's) chosen and what credentials do they have?

A: All IP's are certified by FAA in their respective categories. The IP's are selected by the Chief Instructor Pilot in each category and most of them will have had a number of years of prior experience instructing, including CAP Flight Academies. The basic criteria, is experience. Any new academy IP has to present his/her logbook and other related documents for review prior to being selected and approved. In addition, all IP's are CAP members and must meet all other CAP currency requirements.

9.) Q: Is there a special uniform?

A: Yes. All cadets and staff will wear academy shirts (each cadet will be provided with 2 shirts), navy blue shorts of appropriate length and style (no gym shorts, jean shorts or shorts with patch pockets), mostly white athletic style shoes, and white socks.

10) Q: Do I need some special training before I attend Flight Academy?

A: No. The Flight Academy training program is designed for cadets who have the basic knowledge of flight found in Module One of the Aerospace Dimensions 'Introduction to Flight.' This is the first module of the Cadet Aerospace Program and most cadets have competed this aerospace module as part of their advanced placement in CAP.

11.) Q: I still have questions and concerns who do I contact?

A: Feel free to contact me at any time, if I can not answer your question I will direct it to the appropriate committee member. My email is Sherrielynn17@hotmail.com . (H) 651-631-1508 (C) 651-247-3331.

For the Flight Academy Committee,

Sherrie Herzfeld, Major

General Information