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Civil Air Patrol cadets visit Laughlin Air Force Base

  • Published
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

The 47th Student Squadron led cadets from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) through the unique experience of Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), showing them what it takes to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. 

This visit supports a community engagement outreach event that the AETC commander has produced to encourage recruitment for students to be able to influence the future generation of Air Force personnel. The group that visited were the top 30 applicants from 250 cadets that applied nationwide. Each belongs to a squadron from around the United States and were identified as top performers to be able to apply. 

“This is important as it will inspire the younger generation and answer questions and give them a glimpse into the life of an undergraduate pilot training student and other career field members at Laughlin AFB,” said Capt. Nathan Courtaney, 434th Flying Training Squadron, assistant flight commander. 

The week-long event kicked off with a visit to Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE), where cadets were fitted with their own flight suit. As they suited up, they learned about the important gear pilots rely on to keep them safe.  

“All the gear was tight, but if felt like it was the perfect size for me,” said CAP cadet, Luke Chapman. 

Next stop for the cadets was the flight simulator complex where they flew simulated T-6A Texan IIs and T-38C Talons. Flying the T-6 with the VR headset put them in a virtual cockpit, allowing for a 360-degree view from the aircraft during flight. They also experienced flying in a T-38 cockpit replica, with better visuals on the proper placement of the controls and safety features. 

Flight suits fitted, simulators flown, all that was left was what the cadets were most excited for, their T-38 and T-1A Jayhawk incentive flights. While some experienced the T-1's replicated feeling of flying in a tanker or cargo class aircraft, others flew in the T-38, getting a sense of the speed and endurance of the aircraft. 

“Flying in the T-38 was my favorite part,” said CAP cadet, Emma Martin. “We got to super-fast and do different tricks in the air.” 

These incentive flights help kickstart a greater excitement and interest for the cadets that want to become pilots, as they are experiencing events that their peers dream of. 

“The opportunity to fly in a military aircraft as a 14–20-year-old individual is a once in a lifetime chance,” said Courtaney.  

As the week came to a close, the cadets had the chance to experience their own simulated drop night to find out what aircraft they would fly. Suspense filled the room as the cadets' names were called and their selected aircraft was announced. Excitement roared for each cadets’ simulated assignment with many getting different fighter and bomber class aircraft, like the F-35 Lightning II or the B-2 Spirit. Some were even awarded the attack class aircraft, A-10 Thunderbolt II. This night was a great chance for the cadets to feel the same excitement that student pilots experience as they finish UPT and move to their first flying assignment. 

The week allowed CAP cadets to see firsthand what goes on at a pilot training base, offering insight into Air Force culture. 

The Civil Air Patrol is a great partner to the Air Force and an opportunity for individuals to help out their communities, learn more about what they do here. CAP has visited Laughlin AFB yearly for over 30 years now. This event has inspired CAP members to pursue careers as pilots, security forces, and a multitude of other career fields in the air force, effectively supporting recruiting and pilot production goals.  

“Civil Air Patrol is an important part of our communities as the program develops our youth through aerospace education and activities,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “We hope the CAP cadets gained valuable insights during their time at Laughlin AFB and the interactions with Team XL inspired the cadets to pursue careers in the Air Force. Our team is looking to build upon on this year’s success and pursue opportunities of bringing a CAP squadron back to the Del Rio community to enhance aviation opportunities for the local youth.”