Four cadets from the Mississippi Wing and a fifth from the Georgia Wing received the rare opportunity to fly with the organization’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Ed Phelka, for orientation flights while he attended the Mississippi Wing’s annual conference May 18-19.
Phelka also provided ground instruction, oversaw preflight inspection, and discussed operation and maneuvers with the five cadets at Hawkins Field Airport, home to Mississippi Wing Headquarters.
First in the cockpit was Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Anna Devries of the Georgia Wing’s Morgan County Cadet Squadron. The orientation flight, emphasizing turns and stalls, was her third.
“This was a great opportunity for cooperation between our region’s wings,” Devries said.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Blayden Vannoy of the Central Mississippi Composite Squadron was next with his second orientation flight, which emphasized aircraft stability and trim controls.
“I had a lot of fun,” said Vannoy, who plans to earn his private pilot certificate someday. “I never dreamed I would have a chance to fly with our national commander.”
After Phelka landed in Vicksburg, Cadet Senior Airman Aerin Vinzant of the Vicksburg Composite Squadron swapped positions with Vannoy for the return flight to Jackson. The orientation flight, emphasizing aircraft instruments, was Vinzant’s fourth flight.
He recalled being terrified before his first flight, but Vinzant is now looking forward to earning his private pilot certificate through Civil Air Patrol. “
This is a great opportunity, getting to experience flying with a professional pilot and our national commander,” Vinzant said. Phelka is a professional pilot, flight instructor, and 37-year veteran of Civil Air Patrol.
The final two cadets to fly with Phelka were Cadet Tech. Sgt. William Mann and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Blake Dixon, both of the Madison Cadet Squadron, who received their fourth orientation flights.
The final two cadets to fly with Phelka were Cadet Tech. Sgt. William Mann and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Blake Dixon, both of the Madison Cadet Squadron, who received their fourth orientation flights.
Mann and Dixon belong to the only cadet squadron in the Mississippi Wing, which can make scheduling orientation flights a challenge.
“I think it was great for Gen. Phelka to take some time giving o-flight instruction to some of our cadets. My son really appreciated the opportunity,” said 2nd Jason Mann, the Madison squadron’s alerting and information technologies officer and cadet Mann’s father.
“It was a cool and unique experience,” said Capt. Jessica Dixon, squadron commander. “[Phelka] is so knowledgeable about flying, we learned a lot.”
“Cadet orientation flights are one of my favorite things to do,” Phelka said. “I am very impressed with the Mississippi Wing cadets. They were well-prepared and did a great job.”_____Capt. Scott LarsenCommanderVicksburg Composite Squadron
