C/SMSgt Aisha Grieme With A CAP Aircraft

Every year, cadets have the opportunity to attend many activities including encampments and special activities. When I joined the Civil Air Patrol, I knew I wanted to experience one of the CAP flight academies as soon as I qualified. I fulfilled all the prerequisites and applied to Mankato Flight Academy last year. After successfully completing Iowa Wing Special Activity Boards I received an acceptance letter to the Academy. I was excited just to begin training for my pilot’s license, but it almost seemed unreal to try to make a solo flight in eight days of training – as is a goal of the Academy. I prepared myself to the best of my ability and decided I would go and give it my all.

The Flight Academy began Friday, July 16th, and after signing in at the college we were given our books and found out all the rules and expectations we would be held to during our training. It was at this point I realized I was one of thirty-five cadets who were accepted into the Academy. We had a class about the planes we would be flying to start off our training. It was a great way to prepare us for our flights the next day. That night the commanders asked for people who would want to be cadet commander. I remembered my decision to give it my all and went for it. I did not get the cadet commander position, but became the Yankee flight commander.

The next day we marched to breakfast at 0615 hours, loaded the vans, and arrived at the Mankato Airport by 0800 hours. There were two cadets to one instructor pilot, who would work together all week in the same plane. At this time, we got together in these groups and learned how to preflight our planes. Finally, it was time to fly. Between my partner and I, I was scheduled to fly first. Our first flights were short, but it got us used to our airplanes. It was so amazing to be in the pilot’s seat and know I was flying the airplane. We landed so I could switch with my partner and take my turn in ground school while he flew. After lunch, we traded again. During the second flight I really started to learn how to control and maneuver the plane. This flight was two hours long, as would be each of the following flights throughout the week. We would trade again and my partner would fly. Each night we returned to the college for supper. Afterwards, the two cadets would meet with their pilot for debriefing and a discussion of the day’s events.

The next day we started the same routine but flights and ground school began at 0800 hours and the order switched back and forth for whom would fly first each day. The knowledge we gained from our patient instructors was excellent. Through our training we acquired the ability to guide the airplane safely through all necessary maneuvers. In ground school we learned the basic physics of an airplane and how everything works. As my knowledge increased, I slowly grew more anxious about soloing at the end of the week.

Ground school ended on Wednesday as we learned the last of our information. We polished our landings and Thursday brought a new game. If we could make 3 perfect landings in a row, our instructor would get out and we could solo. Although it was slightly frustrating, I continued to try my best. Finally after lunch I was ready. I made my three perfect landings and my instructor asked if I would be all right if he got out. He got out and I took the plane up by myself. I don’t know if words can describe the excitement, anxiety, and sheer satisfaction you feel when you accomplish such a goal as soloing. The experience is one that I will never forget.

Saturday, July 24th came along with graduation and I was sad for it all to end. I enjoyed every aspect of the Academy and now hope to complete my training, and to possibly become an instructor in the future. I am very grateful I was given the opportunity to go to the Academy and gain so much knowledge and inspiration through the Civil Air Patrol.


- posted by IAWG PAO @ 3:06 PM