San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

El Cajon, CA A tradition at San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 is to schedule a social event on the fifth Tuesday of a given month during the year, which usually occurs four times a year. The 30 May 2006 meeting was no exception except in this case, not only did the cadets have fun, they obtained valuable insight on an aviation career and jet training.

One of the squadron’s newest cadets, C/AB Daniel Gorin is the son of Mr. Steven Scates, President of Jet Aeronautical, a jet training facility, located at Gillespie Field, El Cajon. His company provides flight instruction for ratings in the Cessna Citation and Beech King Air along with their affiliate, Scandinavian Flight Training, specializing in primary flight.

At 1830 hours, on Tuesday, 30 May 2006, approximately 25 members of the squadron reported to Jet Aeronautical flight line along with visiting CAP C/Col Brian Jensen who just finished up his freshman year as a West Point U.S. Army Cadet. Cadet Jensen aspires to become an armored cavalry officer upon graduation. Also present for the summer was FO Anthony Ives, finishing up his sophomore year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. FO Ives is a student enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate Program; his goal is to become a U.S. Marine Corps Aviator.

The first order of business was to pose for a group photo in front of a Cessna C-172 Skyhawk aircraft and learn about this popular aircraft which turned fifty years old this year. The Skyhawk is the most prolific aircraft in world history with more than 39,000 built to date.

After the photo op, Mr. Scates led the squadron inside for a talk about his company and a career in aviation. He explained the procedures, curriculum, and type ratings his company offers students/refresher pilots from all over the world. He then told the cadets how important it is to focus during college and receive top grades so that they will be above their peers when applying for future aviation related jobs or pilot positions in the military. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona, Mr. Scates received his Aeronautical Science Degree and returned to San Diego as a flight instructor. He soon tired of instructing and volunteered to hire on as a traffic reporter/pilot, flying out of Chino Airport and through contacts there started flying multiple engine aircraft. He soon acquired enough hours to fly with the commuter airlines and was flying out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York. Mr. Scates shared his insight as an airline pilot flying the New York “hub” and what it was like working in the airline industry, living conditions, pay, and benefits. He soon discovered that being an airline pilot was not for him, so he founded Jet Aeronautical and couldn’t be happier running this type of business venture.

After a question and answer session, Mr. Scates led the group back down to the hangar and conducted a tour of a Cessna Citation II business jet. Each cadet was allowed to sit inside the cockpit and learn about the various instruments and controls.

Once the jet tour was completed, everyone gathered in the lunchroom for a birthday cake in honor of the Cessna C-172 Skyhawk. Cadets Vincent Kennedy (oldest) and Patrick Smyth (youngest) cut the cake, and passed out the portions to all. Upon the quick demise of the cake, the cadets thanked their host, Mr. Scates for his excellent presentation and being such a wonderful host.

Comparing this fifth Tuesday with past social events, this may be the most educational and meaningful social event held at the squadron providing the opportunity to see a jet training facility, aeronautical education, obtain a few words of wisdom from an aviation expert, and eat cake! What more could one ask for from a CAP event! Happy Birthday to the Cessna Skyhawk!

Posted by Vince on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 8:11 PM | Permalink