Summer Powered Flight - 1st Period

The Powered Flight Program started back in 1974 and until 2012 it only saw small changes in flight paths. In 2012, because of airspace conflicts there was a complete redesign of USAFA's airspace and how it was structured. From there, the Air Force and the FAA coordinated and created the "safest possible approaches, departures, training areas and flight patterns for USAFA operations," which were finally put into action in early 2013. 

Powered Flight is a capstone course that serves as a culmination of a cadet’s aviation education. Lessons in Air Force heritage and principles of engineering are applied in real-life scenarios during nine flights in a single engine propeller driven aircraft. The training includes ground and flight instruction using T-53s, military instructors provide a basic introduction to Air Force pilot training and the experience of powered flight. Based on proficiency, approximately 50% of these students will solo. The training includes ground and flight instruction under an Air Education and Training Command (AETC) flying syllabus.

Over the course of each summer period cadets have roughly 6 Flights they need to complete, unlike previous years this year also has similiar to the academic year M and T day in the form of Blue and Silver Fly days. We were able to stop by both recently. Enjoy! We'll be back over the course of 2nd Period with more coverage of Powered Flight.

To view the rest of the pictures from our visit go to; Galleries - Airmanship - Powered Flight. Or click the link below. Make sure you switch it to 17-18 Academic Year or you will be looking at last years pictures!

1st Period Powered Flight Blue and Silver Day!