National Flight Academy
Cadet Special Activities
National Flight Academies
Civil Air Patrol’s premier cadet flight training experience designed to introduce cadets to aviation, flight instruction, and the path toward earning a private pilot certificate.
National Flight Academies are highly competitive activities with hundreds of applicants competing for a limited number of slots each year. Earning a place at an NFA is a prestigious achievement that can launch a cadet’s aviation career.
Flight Training
What is a National Powered Flight Academy?
National Powered Flight Academies are National Cadet Special Activities that provide cadets age 16 and older with the opportunity to complete intensive flight instruction and potentially earn their first solo flight.
Cadets receive critical ground instruction and flight training from highly qualified FAA-certified flight instructors and aviation professionals.
Ground School
Participants gain real-world knowledge and aviation instruction that can help prepare them for the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot written examination.
Volunteer staff members with decades of aviation experience mentor cadets and guide them through aeronautical concepts, aviation regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and flight planning.
Knowledge is the foundation of aviation success, and ground school provides cadets with the tools needed to continue flight training beyond the academy.
Flight Training
Cadets receive approximately 10 hours of flight instruction in CAP aircraft, weather and scheduling permitting, in addition to up to 40 hours of ground instruction.
The goal of flight training is to build foundational aviation knowledge, confidence, and proficiency while preparing cadets for continued aviation training opportunities.
A solo flight is a significant milestone that demonstrates a student pilot’s ability to safely operate an aircraft without instructor assistance.
While solo flights are not guaranteed, they represent one of the primary goals and achievements many cadets work toward during the academy.
Hands-On Aviation Experience
The National Flight Academy learning environment is specifically designed for cadets and provides opportunities for mentorship, individual instruction, and aviation career development.
Safety & Risk Management
Before any academy activity begins, Civil Air Patrol conducts extensive risk management assessments to identify hazards and reduce unnecessary risks.
Every aspect of the activity — from classroom operations to flight line procedures — is carefully planned to maintain a safe and professional training environment.
The goal is to challenge cadets in a safe environment that builds confidence, leadership, resilience, and lifelong memories.
Staff & Instructors
Cadets work directly with FAA-certified flight instructors and aviation professionals from civilian, corporate, and military aviation backgrounds.
Instructors and staff members mentor cadets while sharing their expertise and experiences in aviation careers and flight operations.
Whether pursuing a professional aviation career or recreational flying, NFA provides a strong first step toward earning a private pilot certificate.
CAP Aviation Heritage
More Than 80 Years of Aviation Excellence
Civil Air Patrol’s rich aviation history dates back to World War II, when CAP members supported coastal patrol and homeland defense missions.
National Flight Academies continue that tradition today by helping cadets take their first major steps into aviation careers and flight training.
The Southwest Region National Flight Academy has been training cadets since 2002.
Future Aviators
Begin Your Aviation Journey
National Flight Academies provide cadets with an unmatched opportunity to experience aviation training, leadership development, and mentorship from aviation professionals.