Texas Unit Flies First O-Ride Since Pandemic Shutdown

2nd Lt. Neil R. Coulter
Public Affairs Officer
Crusader Composite Squadron
Texas Wing

A pair of cadets in the Texas Wing’s Crusader Composite Squadron got a long-awaited chance to enjoy orientation rides after months-long delays caused by the COVID-19 shutdown.

Chief Master Sgt, Rommel Inoa took Cadet 1st Lt. Garrett Steinman and Cadet Tech. Sgt. McKinleigh Steinman aloft in the squadron’s Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport after a preflight briefing and inspection. During the flight each had the opportunity for hands-on learning about piloting the plane.

The best part for the pilot? “Seeing the big smiles on the cadets’ faces, and exposing them to new adventures,” Inoa said. “These orientation rides could influence them to pursue an aviation career.”

As part of Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program each cadet receives five orientation flights, or “O-rides.”