Naval Sea Cadets

NATIONAL AVIATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, announced on October 14, 1997, the establishment of the NATIONAL AVIATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER located at the Naval Air Facility, Andrews, AFB, Maryland. The NATIONAL AVIATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER is the replacement program for the A.C.E.S. aviation program which has been training young aviators since 1971. The Center is supported by a consortium of The Navy League of the United States, Aviation Midshipmen Foundation, Association of Naval Aviation, and the Young Marines.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps administers the Center which conducts ground schools and primary flight training for any youngster over fifteen years of age interested in aviation. The program is unique in that it is designed for all teenagers; not just for members of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
School teachers are also encourged to participate.

Retired Judge Robert T.S. Colby, holder of FAA's Distinguished Service Award is the Center's volunteer director.

The Center is staffed by volunteer instructors, about whom former Navy League National President, Jack Kennedy said, "These volunteers are the most magnificent and generous individuals with whom I've ever been associated. They are retired airline pilots, military aviators, certified flight instructors, and maintenance technicians who give not only of thier time, but impart lifetimes of experience to the students." He concluded, "Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. These volunteers give the students purpose and direction, and this program is designed to achieve both."

The two week courses are intense and structured with 88 hours of classroom instruction in order that participants may pass the FAA Private Pilot's exam. Upon successful completion of the ground school, primary flight instruction is available.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth training organization for young people ages 13 through 17 sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.