Fallbrook pilot conducts orientation flights for AFROTC

On December 20 Civil Air Patrol pilot Lt. Col. Rohles from Fallbrook Squadron 87 conducted flight orientation flights for San Diego State University Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 075 Cadets Barroga, Gordon and Kilian at Gillespie Airport in El Cajon. On that cold day they flew two flights from Gillespie Airport to Oceanside Airport between 10 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m. in the Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 airplane.

Except for takeoff, landing, traffic patterns, low-level flying (below 1,000 feet above ground level) and other critical phases of flight, the AFROTC cadets were permitted to actually manipulate the flight controls. At the conclusion of the flights Lt. Col. Rohles and Cadet Kilian completed the AFROTC Unit Orientation Flight Log as evidence of the completed task. At all times, safety was the overriding concern.

The primary objective of the AFROTC Flight Orientation Program is to help provide a complete and well-rounded education in all aspects of the United States Air Force. This is accomplished by exposing cadets to flying and flight activities with pilots of Civil Air Patrol serving in their role as the USAF Auxiliary.

The AFROTC Orientation Flight Syllabus emphasizes the following points:

A. Preflight: Discuss the basics of light aircraft aerodynamics. Use the aircraft checklist to demonstrate the routing of inspections, showing the cadet what is inspected, what to look for, and why.

B. Before takeoff:

1. Use the checklist to show cadets how routine cockpit checks are made prior to takeoff.

2. Point out procedure for starting the engine and the safety precautions to be observed.

3. Describe the use of controls while taxiing and the safety precautions to be observed.

4. Explain selection of runway and engine run-up.

C. In flight:

1. Point out position and attitude of the aircraft in normal flight with various throttle and control settings.

2.Point out landmarks, ground features and position of the airport with respect to community.

3. Describe the approach to traffic pattern; explain reasons for contact with control tower or transmissions on common air traffic frequency at uncontrolled fields. Point out correct procedure for entering traffic pattern, glide angle, normal landing, taxiing aircraft to parking area and engine shutdown.

D. Post flight: Answer questions about the flight.

According to Cadet Barroga, an average of approximately 24 cadets participate in the Flight Orientation Program at San Diego State University every three months and many go on to be active in the Flight Officer programs.

A special thank you goes out to Lt. Col. Rohles for his time and expertise.

Civil Air Patrol Fallbrook Squadron 87 is pleased to provide training to the AFROTC cadets as part of their Air Force mission responsibility.