15 June 2007
BRAZORIA COUNTY AIRPORT, TX - Seven CAP Instructor Pilots from around the Texas Wing came together to teach seventeen cadets to fly June 2-9, 2007. This year’s academy was based just outside Lake Jackson, TX at the Brazoria County Airport. Seven aircraft were ferried to the airport from all points. Cadets began arriving early Saturday June 2, for the first official day. Staged at the airport restaurant, The Windsock Grill, cadets were stationed outside under the shade at wood tables. Cooled bottles of water were plentiful. The grill provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for the seven days of the academy. Billeting was staged out of Columbia Lakes Hotel & Resort  located approximately 15 miles from the airport. This lovely gated facility provided a quiet,  relaxing atmosphere after a long day.

Students and instructor pilots (IP’s) were in the air for an hour at a time, then its back on the ground, discussing the highlights and studying for the next flight. Each student flew 2-3 times each day whether they were doing touch n’ go’s or flight maneuvers. Afternoons were spent inside attending ground school and watching educational aviation videos. The last flight of the day ended around 7:00 PM.

All participants were up early, eager for the day to start. Solo flights began late Wednesday afternoon after a cooling rain shower moved through.

Thursday was “no flight day” with winds at 15 knots or better.  We all got a much needed afternoon of free time. Solo flights continued throughout the day Friday and the last two were Saturday morning.

Excited parents and family began arriving Friday evening. Graduation was Saturday morning at Columbia Lakes.  Among the dignitaries that were present were Texas Wing Commander Lt Col Joe Smith, Louisiana Wing Commander Lt Col Mike DuBois and Mr. Joe Speed, president of the Texas Dow Employees Credit Union, a major contributor to the Academy.

The cadets selected for this Academy are above board and qualified, this class of cadets was especially tuned into one another. They worked well as a team and cheered each other on. While not all cadets soloed each one graduated with 10 hours flying time and sense of finishing something very worthwhile and unique. The top student is named “Top Gun”. This prestigious award is based on many factors including attitude, study habits and conduct. This student is selected by all of the instructors at the end of the academy, this year there was a tie. The 2007 Top Gun’s are C/2d Lt Joel Buchman, “Jar Head” and C/2d Lt Derek Prutka, “Spandex”.

“My experience at the Texas Wing Flight Academy was amazing and it was an excellent opportunity to set forth my aviation career. I will always remember this academy and how great it was to experience my first solo. I hope my career turns out to be like the pilots and astronauts who look back and say, "I went through my first solo when I was 16 in CAP." “

Cadet Zach “Stealth” Harvey

The Texas Wing Cadet Programs wished to extend a hearty congratulations to all of the cadets for a 100% graduation. Thank you to the pilots for the safe academy, the incentive, the sharing of time and knowledge with the next generation of aviators.

In the name of the pilot-
Keep the blue side up

In the name of the co pilot-
Keep the brown side down

In the name of the 172-
Stay out of the trees

Ooorah!

Article and photos submitted by Denise Thompson, Capt, CAP