On Sunday March 22^nd, 2015, five cadets of Eleanor Roosevelt High School’ AFJROTC MD-901 had a chance to fly with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in a Cessna 172 at the Tipton Airport as co-pilots and passengers.

CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the US Air Force, established in December 1941, just prior to the entry of the United States into World War II. The cadets had a chance to meet up with CAP Lt Col Andy Felix and CAP Major Bob Nelson, who shared information about their past and present, and gave information on the purpose of the Flight Orientation. Before their flight they had a chance to view other planes and helicopters at the airport.

When the time came to go on the flight, the pilot/instructor, CAP Maj Nelson, had to complete a pre-flight inspection which consisted of what it looked to be almost 30-40 different items he needed to make sure everything was ready for flight. The cadets went into the plane in pairs, one as a passenger and one as the co-pilot.

Before flight the cadet selected to be the co-pilot read a “Before Take Off” checklist to ensure safety before flight.  As the flight began the cadets had a chance to experience take off in a light aircraft. During takeoff and flight most of the cadets had a bumpy ride due to turbulence. As they flew over water and certain parts of land, the turbulence eased out, making for a smoother ride.

While flying they got a good view of Annapolis, flying over various places such as a boat house and dock, farm land, and more. The pilot, co-pilot, and passenger all had radio headsets to communicate, and said that flight was impressive.

“The view from here is amazing, flying over treetops and looking over towns just amazes me” said Junior Cadet Captain Jared Alindogan**, a passenger on the Cessna 172.

His partner, Sophomore Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Bolaji Odupitan, who was the co-pilot, had this to say about the flight: “Flying at 15? That was pretty amazing. I enjoyed having the chance to take control of the aircraft and actually pilot the vehicle.”

When the flight was coming to an end, the co-pilot would read the “Landing Safety Check” checklist, to confirm safety as the plan is landing. After all the cadets had their turns to go up either as a passenger or co-pilot, they all met up back in the meeting room and thanked CAP Lt Col Felix and CAP Major Nelson for giving them this opportunity to go flying, as well as Chief Master Sergeant Johnny Hollis and Colonel George Ryan for making the event possible.

**Jared Alindogan wrote this article as a special to The Raider Review