Teens taking flight with Civil Air Patrol

Cadets stand in front of the Civil Air Patrol Cessna aircraft at Hilo International Airport.

The Civil Air Patrol Lyman Field Squadron gives teenagers, ages 12-18, an opportunity to fly a single-engine Cessna aircraft.

A licensed pilot takes off and lands the plane, but in the air the pilot gives the cadet the option to fly the plane from the co-pilot seat. Cadets soar over volcanoes, houses and forests on the island, seeing everything from a bird’s-eye view.

Civil Air Patrol covers the flight’s cost for squadron members.

Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force and encourages youth to serve the nation.

It specializes in emergency services, including search and rescue and disaster relief operations, aerospace education and cadet programs for teenagers.

The Lyman Field Squadron meets from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Civil Air Patrol hangar at the Hilo airport.

Source:  http://hawaiitribune-herald.com