Welcome! Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Login | Register
   

Civil Air Patrol helps cadet gain solo wings

Comment     Print
Related Articles

Over the last few years, only one cadet from the Shelby Squadron has received his solo wings. This requires the student to complete a pre-solo qualification flight, where the Civil Air Patrol student pilot demonstrates to an Instructor Pilot that they have the ability to fly an aircraft without assistance, along with other requirements necessary to operate the plane.

On December 22, 2017, Cadet 2nd Lt. Anthony Vagnozzi, a high school senior and part-time college student, became the second cadet from the Shelby Squadron to reach this milestone!

This would have not been possible without the partnership of the Shelby Airport, mentorship and guidance from Squadron Commander Lt. Mark Motto, Aerospace Education enrichment and support from Capt. Randy Patterson, and most of all, Instructor Pilot and mentor Capt. Cheryl Stearns. Cadet Vagnozzi said he couldn't have had a better instructor and looks forward to a career in aviation.

In American aviation lore, the traditional removal of a new pilot's shirttail is a sign of the instructor's new confidence in his student after successful completion of the first solo flight. In the days of tandem trainers, the student sat in the front seat, with the instructor behind. As there were often no radios in these early days of aviation, the instructor would tug on the student pilot's shirttail to get his attention, and then yell in his ear. A successful first solo flight is an indication that the student can fly without the instructor; hence, there is no longer a need for the shirttail, and it is cut off by the (often) proud instructor and sometimes displayed as a trophy.

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxillary of the Air Force and a non profit youth organization for youth ages 12-18. If you would like more information about the Civil Air Patrol you can contact 2nd Lt. Cheryl Vagnozzi at 704 739-4070. You can also visit the Shelby Composite Squadron Facebook page at www.facebook.com/capshelbysquadron

Read more from:
Slideshow
Tags: 
None
Share: 
Comment      Print

Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: