Welcome to the AFROTC You Can Fly (AYCF) Program at Green Castle
Green Castle Aero Club (GCAC) is proud to partner with Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 255 at the University of Iowa in support of the You Can Fly Program!
This USAF training program seeks to strengthen its rated officer candidate pool by increasing exposure to aviation through early education and flight experience. Green Castle Aero Club and its Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) will provide the training necessary to help these candidates obtain decisive, early-hours experience so they can either confidently confirm interest in rated Air Force careers, or self-select out early.
This USAF training program seeks to strengthen its rated officer candidate pool by increasing exposure to aviation through early education and flight experience. Green Castle Aero Club and its Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) will provide the training necessary to help these candidates obtain decisive, early-hours experience so they can either confidently confirm interest in rated Air Force careers, or self-select out early.
Supporting Documents
| AYCF MOU DET255-GCAC (10-30-25) |
| AY25-26 AYCF Execution Plan DRAFT |
| AYCF Guide |
Cadet Enrollment
GCAC AYCF Cadet Guide
Start with this GCAC AYCF Cadet Guide to prepare for your first training flight.
| GCAC-AYCF Guide (11-9-25) |
GCAC AYCF Enrollment Form
Click the button below to launch Green Castle Aero Club's AYCF online enrollment form.
Cadet Training Documents
Flight Training Syllabus
Rod Machado's Private Pilot Flight Training Syllabus was approved for use at Green Castle Aero Club by AFROTC/DOT on 10/24/25.
| Flight Training Syllabus |
Self-Study Ground Syllabus
The AFROTC AYCF program office asks that instructors and cadets prioritize self-study and minimize paid ground instruction where feasible to preserve and maximize funds for flight training.
This Ground Training Syllabus Excel file gives Cadets two excellent self-study choices: Rod Machado's or Green Castle Aero Club's Ground Training Syllabus. Rod Machado's follows his approved AYCF Flight Training Syllabus, and the books cost between $100-$150. The alternative Green Castle syllabus mirrors the topics of Rod Machado's while utilizing free FAA publications like the Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Either syllabus is a great choice. Choose the one that works best for you.
Links to all source documents are provide in this spreadsheet for easy reference.
This Ground Training Syllabus Excel file gives Cadets two excellent self-study choices: Rod Machado's or Green Castle Aero Club's Ground Training Syllabus. Rod Machado's follows his approved AYCF Flight Training Syllabus, and the books cost between $100-$150. The alternative Green Castle syllabus mirrors the topics of Rod Machado's while utilizing free FAA publications like the Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Either syllabus is a great choice. Choose the one that works best for you.
Links to all source documents are provide in this spreadsheet for easy reference.
| Ground Training Syllabus.xlsx |
Regardless of the flight or ground training syllabus you're using, Part 61 flight training has specific requirements that must be met before a student pilot can solo for the first time. Those FAR Part 61 Solo Requirements are laid out in the document below.
| FAR Part 61 Solo Requirements |
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Green Castle AYCF Program Manager |
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AFROTC Detachment 255Fly. Fight. Win.
"Developing Leaders of Character for Tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force—to Fight and Win Our Nation's Wars" University of Iowa | Coe College | Kirkwood Community College CLICK HERE for Det 255 contacts and resources |
