GROUND SCHOOL

Ground school is a class offered to juniors (16 and up) with a 3.0 unweighted GPA. This is a college course that cadets take to better prepare them for the world of aviation. They learn about an airplane's axes, how the aircraft is affected by airflow, how different maneuvers affect the aircraft, and much more about airplanes and flight. This class also has virtual reality simulators that prepare cadets for in-flight scenarios. Taking this course, cadets have an advantage when taking flight lessons by saving on ground school from the flight instructor and gaining a better understanding of flying without having to spend time at the airport.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Cadets in the Ground School class are eligible for several scholarship opportunities, the main one being the Flight Academy. The Flight Academy is an 8-week summer program held at select universities. Once cadets successfully pass the required tests and are selected to attend the summer program, they are given a list of schools to pick from to attend as they complete their Private Pilot’s License, entirely funded by the Air Force. Another scholarship open to select cadets is awarded by the EAA, which is done through the Fernandina Municipal Airport. To become eligible for this scholarship, cadets must already have begun to fly solo. They can then submit an application, and if they are selected their remaining flight hours will be covered by the EAA.