Cadets in the Kona Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol recently had an opportunity to experience flights in the squadron’s Cessna 182. Cadets receive aerospace education, learn about safe ground handling of the aircraft and also use the squadron’s flight simulators prior to their flights. The U.S. Air Force provides funding for up to five powered flights per cadet with each flight having a prescribed syllabus increasing in skill level as the cadet progresses. Flights are designed to provide cadets with the maximum opportunity for hands on flying of the aircraft under the supervision of an authorized CAP and Federal Aviation Administration certificated pilot.
Cadets receive an extensive safety briefing prior to all their flights and are quizzed on the material they have studied for the particular flight. They also conduct a preflight of the aircraft, examining the various control surfaces that they will be moving when they are flying the aircraft. Cadets assist in reading the various checklist items used in preparing the aircraft for engine start. They then get to taxi the aircraft using the rudder pedals as they venture out to the engine run-up area where they assist in conducting pre-takeoff check list procedures.
The Kona Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol also trains regularly to execute tsunami warning flights, searches for missing boaters, hikers, campers or other emergency services using its aircraft and trained ground crews. Membership in the Civil Air Patrol is open to young people aged 12 through 17 and to any adult wishing to be involved as a senior member. The Kona Squadron meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at its building at Kona International Airport. Anyone interested in more information should contact Commander Lisa Myrick at capkona@gmail.com or 333-9061.