Saturday, March 23, 2013

Central Jersey youths take to the skies with Civil Air Patrol

Senior Airman Joseph Kronmaier, a member of Raritan Valley Composite Squadron, sits in the left seat of a Cessna 182, prior to taking on his fourth orientation flight with the Civil Air Patrol from Central Jersey Airport. / Photo Courtesy Constance O'Grady



Eighteen area teens experienced the thrill of aviation recently through orientation fights with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The official auxiliary of the United States Air Force at Central Jersey Regional Airport met to train the cadets, who flew a combined two hours in CAP’s sophisticated Cessna 182’s. 

 “It was awesome,” said Senior Airman Joseph Kronmaier, 12, of Manville. “I’ve always anted to fly and today was my fourth time. I got to handle the controls and see what flying is all about.”

The hour-long flights in single engine-engine Cessna aircraft introduced many of the cadets to the science that makes flight possible. The cadets learn navigation, weather, aircraft instruments, flight maneuvers and more. The cadets are entitled to five orientation flights as part of their CAP training in the aircraft and also possibly glider flights. The cadets learn about handling the controls of the aircraft in various maneuvers while flying.

The cadets’ day began by helping pre-flight their aircraft. Working with the orientation pilot taxied their aircraft to the runway, gave it full throttle and took off, climbing to 1,000 feet above ground. While aloft, it was the cadet, sitting in the left seat, who handled the countless controls during the non-critical stages of the flight.

“You really have to pay attention to when you are at the controls,” said Kronmaier, a member of Raritan Valley Composite Squadron, which meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Central Jersey Regional Airport.

Other cadets participating where the Plainfield Composite Squadron which meets at the Plainfield High School, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. and Delaware Valley Composite Squadron which meets at the Whitehouse Fire Company, Whitehouse Station, at 7 p.m. Mondays.

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12 to 18. There are also volunteer opportunities for adults, pilots and non-pilots like. Interested residents are invited to attend the weekly open meetings. More information also is available at GoCivilAirPatrol.com.


Story and Photo:   http://www.mycentraljersey.com

No comments:

Post a Comment