Cadet Programs

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs serves the needs of all Civil Air Patrol Cadets. The cadet program is designed to provide youth ages 12-20 training in followership, leadership, aerospace education, communication, and emergency services. Cadets receive training in these areas at their weekly squadron meetings as well as participating in local and wing level activities that occur throughout the year.

Aerospace Education

Aerospace Education is one of the three mission elements of CAP. The mission of AE is to educate, inspire, and instill an appreciation for and an understanding of aerospace in today and tomorrow's world. We promote aerospace to our members and the general public. The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues

Emergency Services

Emergency Services respond to a myriad of needs from Search & Rescue to Disaster Preparedness. Our Emergency Services section has completed our CERT training (Community Emergency Response Teams), still working on our Urban Direction Finding (UDF), and basic Ground Team. These focused areas give Squadron 56 a wide variety of expertise in our Emergency Services mission.

Orientation Flights

The cadet orientation flight program allows our CAP pilots to share with cadets the thrill of flying. Every CAP cadet under age 18 is eligible for five flights in a powered aircraft (usually a single-engine Cessna), five flights in a glider aircraft, and an unlimited number of backseat flights when conditions allow at no cost. CAP offers a variety of flight scholarships and summer flight academies.