Air Force pilots conduct joint training with Danville squadron
Special at Registry & Bee
The Virginia Civil Air Patrol Danville Squadron joined Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force pilots for air and ground training last week.
While the pilots practiced in Civil Air Patrol aircraft, 20 cadets, ages 12 to 18, practiced guiding aircraft — directing aircraft on the ground — as well as observing pilots planning their flights at Danville Regional Airport.
“Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary to the Air Force, and we perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian and counter-narcotics missions,” he said. said Captain David “Hutch” Hutcheson. “We appreciate the opportunity to share time and do joint training with our Air Force counterparts.”
Aviation-related training is part of Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education focus, along with learning to steer, hike, camp, and push yourself to new limits. Moving around real aircraft at the airport, under the supervision of trained senior members, helped the cadets develop responsibility (directing pilots and passengers) and the ability to focus on what is happening around them.
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This is in addition to their training in skills that include performance in honor and color guards, search and rescue, and a curriculum that focuses on four elements: leadership, aerospace, physical fitness and the character.
Pilots included Air Force trained fighter, bomber, transport and tanker aircraft who honed their skills in small Civil Air Patrol aircraft for search and rescue and airborne photography missions. Cadets rounded up USAF pilots as they landed, observed their pre-flight preparation, and graded the pilots as they flew training missions.
“We especially appreciate how the people of the Air Force have been so respectful and supportive when interacting with our cadets, mentoring them and sharing stories about their experiences flying their heavy and fast aircraft in combat situations. in places like Afghanistan.” Hutcheson said. “They also offered advice on career paths in aviation. These interactions were very motivating for our teenagers.”
The Civil Air Patrol includes local civilians with a variety of skills who engage in training, perform humanitarian missions, mentor cadets, and serve our community by performing public service activities.