Robert Ayres National Flight Academy, Civil Air Patrol

Good morning! I have most of the photos from this year's activity uploaded with the exception of the graduation ceremony. Once we get those together, we will upload those as well.
Cadets and Staff don't forget your activity evaluations. We need those to be completed ASAP so National knows how awesome we are :) Hope you're getting some rest, you earned it!

AND THATS A WRAP! Good evening to our friends and followers. Well today our students graduated from the 2024 Robert Ayres NFA and have joined the ranks of the previous graduates from our program. It was a great afternoon filled with stories and photos from the week and yes, they received their "bling". Each cadet and staff member did an outstanding job this week and fully deserve every ounce of rest they are able to take in. I will be working to publish the photos iin the 2024 album soon. Please make sure you take some time to talk to your cadet about their experience and we hope that you will pass on the good times to your fellow cadets. The application process for the class of 2025 will be published around December 1; it will be here before you know it! Have a great night and again, Congratulations!!

Day 9 Update: today was a great day for our cadets. Our cadets took the FAA written test this morning with awesome results. After the test was complete they had a chance to tour the Aviation Program classrooms and labs at the Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville Campus. Thank you to Mr. Doug Williams and his staff for making the testing center available for our cadets. After the cadets completed testing and returned to Hagerstown, the day continued with the final solo flight and general cleanup in prep for departure tomorrow after graduation. The day ended at the home of the Berry’s who sponsored their annual cookout and pool party for our cadets. A great time again was had by all. Btw, please bring Advil for the seniors for post water volleyball recovery 🙂
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at 1pm as we present certificates and pin their wings!

Day 8 Update: ok, well it’s now Day 9 but since I failed in my PAO duties last night, I wanted to get something out. All of the cadets are alive and well. There have been many solos and the practice tests were doing very well in prep for the test. We are currently in Baltimore and the cadets are in the process of checking in with the testing facility in prep for the written test. Several cadets have already entered the testing facility and have started their test. We will head back to Hagerstown when the tests are complete to finish off some flights and prep for close out tomorrow. Hard to believe it’s been a week already but this is a good group with very bright futures in aviation ahead. Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. Tonight’s update will be late but I will do my best to ensure it is posted 🙂
Have a great day!

Day 7 Update: We are on the base leg of the activity with the final approach course in sight. The cadets have been doing well dealing with their studies and flying while also dealing with the rain and winds. The cadets have been handling this like the professionals they are. We are currently on a hold for the day awaiting the storms to pass and then we hope to get a few more sorties in before the end of the day. We are making use of this time with dinner preparation to open more time for flying if weather permits. This evening will conclude after any flights and the cadets will retire to the hotel for much needed rest.....AND SHOWERS! :)
We look forward to seeing our friends and family on Sunday at the graduation. Reminder, graduation will be held at the Hampton Inn on Peak Circle off Maugans Av at 1:00pm. If you have not yet contacted me to RSVP, please do so!

Rain, heavy at times. 🙄

Good morning and Happy Independence Day from the 2024 Robert Ayres NFA. Some of our cadets are feeling patriotic on this national holiday morning. While many will be attending cook outs, relaxing in the swimming pool, and celebrating in other ways, our cadets are already pre-flighting and getting ready to take to the skies. Looking forward to another great day of training!

Day 6 Update: Good evening. Today was a breezy but good day for training. Cadets were in the pattern getting some good training with cross winds and their bounce drills, I mean landings 🙂. We had some down time while waiting for the winds to subside a little which allowed our instructors and staff to get a little relaxation time.
We had a visit today from the new CAP-USAF DET2/CC, Lt Col Ramirez and CAP-USAF DET2/DO Mr. Bruce Munger. LtCol Ramirez spent some time talking to our cadets about his career and what it was like at the USAF Academy from admissions to the daily life. The Cadets had some good questions for him and they enjoyed their time with him.
We are looking forwards another good day tomorrow!

Day 5: Not much to report today. The cadets have been doing well with their flights and showing improvement to their instructors. When they are not flying, Colonel Bissell and LtCol Alexander are holding tutoring sessions to help the cadets with various items In preparation for the written text. This evening after another awesome dinner, the cadets assembled in the classroom for a review of instruments and performance calculation’s. The cadets are working well together and supporting each other as they work towards their goal.
Another great day is in the works for tomorrow and we look forward to it! Have a great rest of your evening! .

Attention all high school seniors interested in a STEM-related college degree! Three different $10,000 scholarships available from AIAA - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Two are due 31 December; one is due 31 January. See all info at
https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students/scholarships?utm_campaign=MembershipPrograms2024&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=284712191&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_gsjuQDPQW6KYRMvNRPWi1MxDatT5qinxWQjRLmxJAV5PZ8UHdgL58OCFltWe9BE84T1xT9zpR3KYtXcG7VaMYzBq4Xw&utm_content=284712191&utm_source=hs_email