Flying hours increase for summer program at Air Force Academy airfield

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  – Summer flying training operations at the Air Force Academy are gearing up and will run May 31 through July 30.

Flying operations, which take place all year, but increase during the summer, are part of the Academy’s Airmanship programs to include soaring, powered flight and parachute operations.

Summer flying hours are scheduled to run 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, there may be an occasional Saturday flying training day. The early start is necessary in order to make up training lost due to COVID-related cancellations, to mitigate the impact of runway construction slated for this summer and reduce the impact of afternoon thunderstorms. 

Airmanship programs expose cadets to the fundamentals of flying and provide unique leadership and character development opportunities. More than 1,000 cadets participate in the Airmanship programs over the summer months. 

This program supports the development of cadets as future Air and Space Force officers and leaders.  Nearly half of the Air Force Academy’s cadets will attend pilot training and fly for the Air Force following graduation.