Mass. members train on preflight inspections, communications

 

 

(1)
Capt. Steve Goldman leads a presentation on preflight checks for Hanscom Composite Squadron cadets.

(2)
A senior member works on communications proficiency.


2nd Lt. Reid J. Leonard
Public Affairs Officer
Hanscom Composite Squadron
Massachusetts Wing

MASSACHUSETTS -- Cadet and Senior members gathered recently on the Civil Air Patrol ramp at Hanscom Air Force Base for an evening of recurrent training and aircraft familiarization.

Six Hanscom cadets and prospective cadets learned first-hand the basics of preflight aircraft inspection in a session led by a pair of mission pilots, Capts. Steve Goldman and Steve Hood. After a safety briefing, the cadets conducted a full preflight inspection of a Cessna 172, using the approved checklist.

They learned how to assess the proper condition and function of each item, such as the propeller, flaps, aerodynamic control surfaces and fuel tanks. They were also encouraged to discuss the reasons behind each step in the inspection, including potential risks to safe aircraft operation and factors critical to successful completion of a mission. 

After the preflight inspection, each cadet climbed into the cockpit to enjoy the view from the pilot or co-pilot's seat. They were encouraged to learn much more about CAP aircraft through the cadet orientation program.

At the same time the cadets were enjoying some hands-on time with the Cessna 172, instructors from the squadron were delivering scenario-based communications proficiency training in a Cessna 182 to mission observers from the Hanscom and Mount Wachussett Senior squadrons.

The Hanscom unit’s communications officer, 1st Lt. David Kent, and Capt. Jim Rottman, mission pilot, led a 45-minute classroom refresher on CAP aircraft communications equipment. Topics included hardware differences among Massachusetts Wing aircraft, recent updates to CAP communications channels, proper phraseology and best practices for cockpit coordination among mission pilots, mission observers and mission scanners.

Then the trainees were paired up in a G1000-equipped Cessna 182 with Lt Col. Bill Schillhammer, who acted as mission pilot for a simulated night mission. After the preflight communications check, the crew "ground-flew" a complete mission, using the aircraft radios to communicate with 1st Lt. Steve Cavanaugh, acting as mission base.

The aircraft and base crews practiced standard radio calls for navigation, tasking and emergency locator transmitter detection, with an emphasis on proper phraseology.

During the debriefing, all agreed that scenario-based training is a valuable tool to maintain mission readiness.

"Ground-bound simulations allow the crew to focus on specific training tasks using real-world equipment, without the stress of managing an actual flight," said Lt. Col. Bill Duffey, Hanscom commander.