P R E S S R E L E A S E

Bear Valley Composite Squadron 6750

Civil Air Patrol

Big Bear, CA

2LT Jim Gundred, PAO FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(909) 866-7675 July 7, 2004

CIVIL AIR PATROL CADETS TAKE FLIGHT

BIG BEAR LAKE, CA – Five Civil Air Patrol cadets from the local unit, Bear Valley Composite Squadron 6750, received orientation flights (O-rides) at Big Bear airport recently. Cadet Basic Michael McCasland, Cadet Basic Katie Hoover, Cadet Airman Josh Connelly, Cadet Airman Matt Hoover and Cadet Staff Sgt. Shaina Blunt were flown by Lt. Col. Joe Orchard and Captain Ron Hirzel, senior members of the squadron.

Cadets were taught the proper techniques for ground handling, preflight inspection, use of takeoff and landing checklists, and emergency procedures. In flight, use of flight controls was explained, along with the effects of lift, drag and gravity on the airplane. Turns were demonstrated, with explanations of load factors and g-forces during the turns. A landing at Apple Valley airport to switch seats gave each cadet a chance to feel how the controls work.

Correct procedures for approach and traffic pattern entry were explained during the landing phase of the O-ride, with emphasis on standardized procedures and use of the before-landing checklist. Asked what they liked best about their experience, all said “the negative G’s”!

Each year, over 6,000 orientation flights are flown by the Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer, 501C, non-profit organization and is, by law, the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The primary missions are Aerospace Education, a Cadet Program, and an Emergency Services program. In recent years, counter-drug operations and homeland defense have been added to the duties of CAP. The local Big Bear squadron, one of over 1,700 units nationwide, consists of 27 senior members and 12 cadets. You do not need to be a pilot to join, just an interest in aviation and serving your community and nation. Call 584-9622 to learn more about Civil Air Patrol.

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