SOUTH TEXAS CIVIL AIR PATROL- Public Affairs Blog: AFTER SCHOOL O-FLIGHTS- 28 March 2012

Kingsville, Texas- Cadets P. Barrett, E. Perez and C. Hock flew their first O-Flight on 28 March 2012. The day began with the cracking of thunder and weather was in play through out the day. Major Carrales posted up METARS weather info from several local airports to monitor the unstable conditions. There was a 45% chance of precipitation in the area for most of the day, butwhen the time came the weather was very nice. Major Jerry Lunceford was the pilot for the activity, Major Lunceford reserved the obligation "call" it one way other the other based on his experience and available data..

"OK," said Major Lunceford via text early in the day, "We're supposed to have a 3000 ft ceiling, but if its close, I'll squeak out."

Cadets are "bumped" to flying slots the following week if weather causes the aircrew to abort the missions.

"We are about being safe," Said Major J. E. Carrales, "We want cadets to have a positive time in air, not develop phobias because conditions were less than idea."

CAP pilots are guided by the 60 series Regulations which err on the side of safety on all occasions related to flying. Major Lunceford is very keen on these regulations because he has a solid background in CAP Safety.

All in all, the activity was a success. Cadets Barrett and Perez were able to get TYPE 6 O-Flights and Cadet Hock received two BACK SEAT sorties. Cadet Hock will get his O-Ride as a member of the next flying slot scheduled for next week or the one that follows.