CAP cadets CAFB

A T-38 Talon engine on afterburner runs inside the engine testing cell at Columbus Air Force Base on July 13. Forty Civil Air Patrol Cadets were given the opportunity to see this and many other aspects of what goes into being a Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training student at Columbus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick)

CAP cadets CAFB

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Kyle Rose takes a picture of a firing T-38 Talon engine while visiting the engine test cell on July 13. Forty Civil Air Patrol Cadets arrived here on July 11 for a four day Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training familiarization course in which they were able to glimpse the rigorous demands and awesome opportunities that each student pilot trained at Columbus Air Force Base experiences. (U.S. Air force photo/Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick)

CAP cadets receive weeklong SUPT experience

Published July 15, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Forty Civil Air Patrol Cadets came here to Columbus Air Force Base July 11 to 15 to catch a glimpse of just what Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training is really like.

The weeklong camp, known as the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Program Familiarization Course, is an annual event that gives select CAP cadets from a pool of all 50 states a chance to see what pilot training is like.

The CAP cadets who attended the course spent the week getting a firsthand look at the everyday life of a student pilot. The cadets studied basic aircraft knowledge and the parts of the one year course required to become an Air Force Pilot.

Not all training was done in a classroom. The CAP cadets toured some operations facilities such as the air traffic control facilities, flight medicine, aerospace physiology, and the engine shop.

The course was more than military experience and academics for the CAP cadets. CAFB officers, many of whom are in current enrolled in Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training courses mentored the CAP cadets, providing valuable information.

CAP cadets were also able to visit the flight simulators to put their learned skills into practice with the safety of solid earth beneath them. T-1 Jayhawk incentive ride were available, and tests were given to the cadets to evaluate their academic performance decide the who were the deserving top performers.

Several events for fun and relaxation were also built into the SUPTFC. Cadets were also enjoyed pool parties and a bowling tournament against the CAP's senior staff.