 |
FROM THE FLIGHT DECK Joel Weaner, Director of Flight Training |
|
FROM THE FLIGHT DECK Joel Weaner, Director of Flight Training |
From
the Flight Deck
Have you ever dreamed of floating or drifting with the wind, or
the felt passion to be free from the bonds of the earth? This is reality to
many of the young Cadets that have passed through my hanger door. Since
1998 I have had the opportunity to provide ground and flight instruction for the
Stephen M. Price Foundation (SMPF). During that time I have had the
pleasure to fly with over 100 Young Aviators. All of our Cadets are full of
energy and excitement. Imagine the look in their eyes as we leave the grip
of the paved runway, and their joy when taking the controls for the first time.
After a few flight maneuvers and an air tour of the city we return back to the
airport. After a brief post flight debriefing and signing of their flight
log they look at and me and say, "When can we do that again?"
Currently the Stephen M. Price Foundation has 54 cadets that are motivated and
excited about flying. Our flight students are selected from other
applicants based on interviews with the student and the students essay on “Why
I want to be accepted into the Young Aviators Program”. The students began
their training as Cadets 3rd Class. The new cadets are introduced to
the cockpit environment in a full visual simulator before their first flight.
This familiarizes the Cadet with the instruments and gauges for flight
operations. After successfully passing a written examination and completing
the simulator operations, cadets are promoted to flight status and the rank
of Cadets 2nd Class. This promotion allows them to fly on a
regular basis and an individual program is tailored to them. When a cadet makes
their first solo flight, they are promoted to Cadets 1st Class and
are expected to mentor lower class cadets as well as complete their training.
Joel
Weaner, CFII, Master Instructor