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Cadets from Magic City Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, received their first opportunity to control a Cessna 172 in flight this past Saturday.
These flights are funded as part of the Civil Air Patrols Orientation flights for cadets at least age 12 and younger than age 18. Each cadet is allowed five flights in powered aircraft and five in a glider while receiving instruction from an experienced, qualified pilot. Saturday's flights were the first of their kind in eight months due to previous pilots moving and complications with weather.
"I'm glad to be able to help our cadets take the next step toward their aviation goals," said Maj. Jeffrey Slocum, the pilot for the most recent flights. "I can tell they both were excited about actually getting to fly for themselves, and I'm proud of the work they've put into studying aviation so far."
Basic maneuvers and aerospace fundamentals are taught on all orientation flights, and students had many questions answered Saturday.
The Magic City Composite Squadron has plans to ensure all new cadets have their first opportunity for flight within 90 days of joining. Visitors are welcome to attend regular meetings, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., at Avflight, 2400 N. Broadway, Minot.
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 to promote general aviation.