Two Bend Civil Air Patrol cadets attend academy

Two cadets from the Civil Air Patrol’s High Desert Squadron in Bend just returned from the Desert Eagle Flight Academy in Ephrata, Washington.

They attended the twelve-day academy where they both achieved their first solo flight. They graduated Sunday, July 31st.

Cadet TSgt. Phillips took powered flight lessons and Cadet MSgt. Hunter Cook took glider lessons. They both soloed in their respective aircraft.

Soloing is a hoped-for goal, but is not guaranteed. Several factors can keep a cadet from experiencing their first solo, including weather, paperwork issues and student ability or skill level.

While both cadets from the High Desert Squadron were able to solo, not all cadets in attendance got their first solo flight in.

There were a total of 18 students in the academy: 8 powered student, 8 basic glider and 2 advanced glider students.

A typical day for the students began at 5:30 AM. Most of the flying took place in the mornings, because that is when the winds are calmer. Some students flew while others ate breakfast, then they would rotate.

During the afternoons, students received instruction in ground school, which consisted of lessons on how and why aircraft fly.

They also received talks from several guest speakers, including the airport manager (Mike Wren), an -Thunderbird Pilot (Col. Kevin Mastin), a local historian, and an Air Force Academy student. Evenings were spent in studying and preparing for the next day. Cadets also helped out in the kitchen, the laundry and in general clean-up.

The cadets both say that they had an outstanding experience and they would recommend the academy to any Cadets interested in learning to fly. They say they much appreciate the scholarships presented to them by the High Desert Squadron, which helped reduce the cost of the Academy. They both plan to continue their flight training.

Stories in the news recently have indicated that there is a shortage of airline pilots in the industry. Whether these students pursue a career in civil or military aviation, they will be filling a void and their skills will be in demand.

The High Desert Squadron meets at 7 PM on the first and third Tuesday’s of each month at COCC. For more information, visit our website at www.caphighdesert.org or www.gocivilairpatrol.com.