More than 30 pilots from across the Missouri Wing gathered recently at three airports for a Civil Air Patrol flight clinic, part of a new approach to pilot training the wing launched last year.
Clinics previously were often held at Columbia Regional Airport, near the center of the state. Travel distance and inclement weather, though, often proved a barrier to participation for many, which led to the decision last year to use multiple locations.
That approach’s success prompted a repeat performance this year, with one-day ground schools held Aug. 24 at Kansas City’s Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, Springfield-Branson National Airport, and Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield.
The day began with an online welcome from Col. Jennifer Smith, Missouri Wing commander, who spoke on the importance of proficiency training for CAP pilots.
Topics presented by CAP flight instructors included accident trends, “go–arounds,” lessons learned, runway incursion avoidance, CAP flight releases, and best practices.
In addition, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Crismon Brayman, North Central Liaison Region operations director for CAP-USAF, discussed CAP-USAF’s oversight mission in supporting and enhancing the overall CAP flying experience from a safety and proficiency perspective.
“I believe that the pilots in general felt that the ground school was successful and worthwhile.” said Lt. Col. Rick Veach, Missouri Wing vice commander.
Along with the ground clinic, participating CAP pilots are eligible for a funded proficiency flight with an instructor through Sept. 19. The clinic’s flight portion was scheduled over a wide interval to provide pilots greater opportunities to demonstrate their ability to their instructors._____Lt. Col. David A. MillerPublic Affairs OfficerMissouri Wing
