Civil Air Patrol cadets with the Sam Houston Composite Squadron took to the skies over Cleveland this past weekend. A total of 17 cadets, riding with experienced CAP pilots, had the opportunity to fly planes on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 as part of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary’s orientation flight program.
The cadets, who ranged in age from 12 to 17, took off from Cleveland Municipal Airport and piloted the planes around the region. Four CAP pilots volunteered their time to teach the cadets about flying during the two-day orientation flight event.
“O-flights are a key element of the Aerospace Education pillar that CAP is committed to,” said 1st Lt. Jean-Philippe Hebral, a CAP mission pilot. “They provide a unique opportunity for cadets to experience hands-on some of the aeronautical concepts they study on the ground. It is remarkable that this activity is offered at no additional cost to all cadets.”
Hebral, who has given more than 70 orientation flights, said the flights can also trigger or validate cadets’ interest in flying, and that spark may become a lifelong career for some of them.
“And O-flights are so much fun… what’s not to love about flying?” he added.
Mackenzie Miller, 13, was one of the cadets who enjoyed her first orientation flight on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“It was the best thing ever!” she said with a big smile on her face after getting to fly for the first time.
Miller, a Cleveland resident, realized she wanted to be a pilot after joining the Sam Houston Composite Squadron, based in Splendora, in September. Saturday’s orientation flight only confirmed that for her.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and promoting general aviation. In its auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.