By 2d Lt Richard L. Johnson
Hernando County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, U. S. Air Force Auxiliary
December 2, 2022 –Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets with the Hernando County Composite Squadron attended a commercial aviation training event at JetBlue University. The training included a wide range of flight operations, including hands-on cabin training, an introduction to the maintenance apprenticeship program, and time in the Airbus A220 simulators.
The event gave cadets a greater understanding of commercial aviation operations. It also demonstrated many real-world careers available to them in the aviation industry.
“JetBlue’s founding objective is ‘Inspiring Humanity,’ and core to that is volunteerism and community service,” said Bill Holm, a JFK-based Airbus 320 First Officer who acted as tour guide and organizer. “The ability to share with cadets the opportunities available to them as well as having some fun is always rewarding.”
The Civil Air Patrol offers various aerospace learning opportunities for cadets aged 12-21. This includes orientation flights, model rocketry programs, and flight training academies, in addition to experiential learning events with aviation companies like JetBlue.
“JetBlue provided our cadets with an amazing opportunity to learn about aviation and careers in the aerospace industry,” said 2d Lt Kelly Fitzgerald. “I was overwhelmed with the experience the JetBlue employees provided us. They went out of their way to ensure everyone had ample opportunities to participate in all of the training – the same level of professional training the company’s employees receive. It was impressive.”
Hernando County Composite Squadron cadets joined cadets from two other squadrons in the Florida Wing (FLWG) of the Civil Air Patrol at the JetBlue University event. The FLWG is the largest of 52 wings in CAP, with more than 3,600 volunteer members and cadets.
The Civil Air Patrol is always looking for new members with an interest in flight. Cadets can join starting at age 12, while adults can join at any age. Weekly meetings are held every Tuesday starting at 6:45 pm. All are welcome.
We are located at:
Hernando County Composite Squadron
3151 Air Commerce Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34604
Cadets have opportunities to learn about aviation, space flight, science, technology, search & rescue, disaster response, and so much more. The Civil Air Patrol offers numerous exciting encampment and training opportunities throughout Florida and the nation covering everything from space operations to engineering to flight school. The program also offers multiple tracks for scholarships and discounted flight training for cadets pursuing a private pilot license.
For more information about the Hernando County Composite Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, visit fl301.cap.gov.
