Civil Air Patrol IL Wing News Blog

Group 22 Has a Weekend of Orientation Flights

By Capt James Kalemis
Commander
McHenry County Composite Squadron

Capt Brian Pokuta, Commander of the Lake County Composite Squadron, served as the Orientation Flight pilot for cadets on Saturday and Sunday.  Five cadets from the Lake County Composite Squadron had their Orientation Rides on Saturday.  The cadets included  Christopher Hartogh, Christian Sutter, Spencer Allen, Robert Hartogh, and Michael Tuite.  Two of the five cadets, Hartogh and Tuite, were on their first Orientation Ride.

But the fun was not over!  On Sunday, Capt Pokuta graciously offered his time as an Orientation Flight pilot for the McHenry County Composite Squadron.  Eight cadets had their Orientation Rides on a beautiful sunny Sunday.  The cadets included Johnathan Pozniak, Clayton Ganziano, Billy Penuel, Luis Castillo, Alex Wagner, Ethan Peterman, Zack Hixon and Mike Kryscha.  Five of the eight cadets were on their first Orientation Ride.  Ground school and supervision duties were performed by Lt Bob Kryscha, Aerospace Education Officer, and Capt James Kalemis, Commander, both from McHenry County Composite Squadron.

My sincerest gratitude to Capt Pokuta for his exemplary service to Group 22.  The Cadet Orientation Flight Program is designed to introduce our youth to general aviation through hands-on orientation flights in single engine aircraft and gliders.  Squadron commanders should try to arrange orientation flights for new CAP cadets as soon as possible after the cadet joins CAP.  Illinois Wing has a number of Orientation Flight pilots and aicraft eager to serve you.

Illinois Wing Flight Instructors Complete National Check Pilot Standardization Course

By Capt Mordechai Levin
G1000 Check Pilot

Capts. Carolyn O’Meara, Steve Meyers, Timothy O’Meara, and Bill Peters graduate from the National Check Pilot Standardization Course (NCPSC) conducted by Standardization and Evaluation Officer/Chief Check pilot Capt Jim Olivi and Check Pilot Capt Mordechai Levin

In an effort to increase aircraft operations safety, the directives governing Civil Air Patrol’s Flight Management (CAPR60-1) were updated on 23 July 2007. These changes included the standardization of Sterile Cockpit Procedures. The sterile cockpit concept recognizes that flight operations other than routine cruise flight are intrinsically more hazardous and require the undivided and vigilant attention of all crewmembers. The Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible to ensure that non-essential conversations, activities, and otherwise distracting actions do not occur during critical portions of flight. Critical portions of flight are taxi, takeoff, climb, descent, landing, and operations in high-density traffic areas or heavy ATC periods.

During the NCPSC held at Clow International Airport, Capt Mordechai Levin introduced a new method for flight instructors and check pilots to train and evaluate the Sterile Cockpit Procedures. The check pilots in training placed two chairs side-by-side and role-played the crew and passenger briefings conducted prior to engine start.

Included in the “Sterile Cockpit” brief is a statement that safety of flight items are always appropriate to be brought to the immediate attention of the PIC. Safety concerns would be such items as potentially conflicting traffic, potential mechanical problems with the aircraft, i.e., electrical smoke or smoke of an unknown origin, leaking fuel, etc.

The new regulations require instructors to conduct training in this procedure as part of any initial or recurring flight training, and check pilots to ensure that all pilots, as part of their mission pilot and normal proficiency flight checks, complete a “Sterile Cockpit” briefing. This will be evaluated as part of “Cockpit Management” under “Ground Operations” on the CAPF 5 and as part of “Cockpit Resource Management” under “Safety Awareness” on the CAPF 91.

By Capt Mordechai Levin

Capt Mordechai Levin Recognized With Brewer Award

From left to right: Acting National Commander Brigadier General Amy Courter, Illinois Wing’s Captain Mordechai Levin, Great Lakes Region Commander Colonel Charles Carr, Jr.  Photo Credit: NHQ PA staff Susan C. Robertson)

   

During the 2007 Civil Air Patrol National Board and Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, the Special Recognition awards were presented to CAP members who have served the organization with outstanding commitment and effectiveness during the past year.  The Frank G. Brewer Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace awards are the highest given to organizations and individuals within and outside CAP who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of youth in aerospace activities.

While Brigadier General Amy Courter presented Capt Mordechai Levin the award for the preceding calendar year, the following narrative was read before the assembly and broadcast on the live streaming video on the World Wide Web:  “Capt Mordechai Levin’s aerospace achievements in 2006 in the Great Lakes Region were exemplary. As aerospace education officer for Illinois Wing’s Lake County Composite Squadron, he developed and implemented a comprehensive squadron aerospace education Plan of Action. His POA fosters the recruitment and retention of teachers and students from diverse population to participate in the traditionally non-diverse occupations of flying, flight instruction and aerospace education. During the 2006 Illinois Wing Conference, Levin led a seminar and discussion for aerospace education officers on how to develop and implement their own POAs. Levin’s approach to capacity building includes developing both the financial resources to independently support programming and the fostering of regional partnerships in plans and programs. Examples of this are participation in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) and the Challenger Center Space Mission. During the 2006 NCASE, Levin met with the manager of TARC from the Aerospace Industries Association, where he was encouraged to establish the CAP-Illinois Wing Team for the 2007 TARC. He facilitated the promoting of the program across the state, finding participants and mentors, arranging a meeting location and procuring funding. He also assembled a team of  12 cadets from multiple squadrons and groups in Northern Illinois. Thirty –four cadets from five squadrons and two groups, with independent financial sponsorship, will participate in a Challenger Center Space Mission simulation as a result of Levin’s efforts in 2006. Because of the effectiveness in generating enough interest throughout the state to oversubscribe this first attempt at the event the mission is likely to be repeated on a regular basis throughout the wing.  On the national level, Levin is active as a member of the Special Advisory Committee for Aerospace Education to the CAP National, Commander. He is currently developing and implementing a plan to address the challenges posed by introducing high-performance and technically advanced aircraft to CAP’s fleet.”

Acclaimed Journalist joins CAP as a New Senior Member of Illinois Wing

   

Illinois Wing’s Captain Mordechai Levin, Acting National Commander Brigadier General Amy Courter, Illinois Wing Senior Member Jonathan Freed.   Photo Credit: Susan C. Robertson/NHQ PA staff

      

         

Acclaimed journalist and National Spokesperson Jonathan Freed was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Civil Air Patrol and presented with a Civil Air Patrol membership card by Acting National Commander Brigadier General Amy Courter, and welcomed to Illinois Wing by Captain Mordechai Levin at the 2007 National Board and Annual Conference Banquet in Atlanta, Georgia.

Freed is the national spokesperson for State Farm Insurance for catastrophes. He is based at the company’s head office in Bloomington, Ill., and is deployed to the scene of a crisis to act as the main media contact for State Farm. Before making the move to public relations, he spent some 20 years as a journalist – most recently as a correspondent for CNN. Freed has covered everything from tornados and wildfires to floods and hurricanes. He also covered the White House for CBS News and Hearst-Argyle Television. He was nominated for an Emmy award for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Freed rode out Katrina in Biloxi, MS, and then spent months covering the aftermath along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans.

A private pilot, Freed applied his aviation experience to his reporting. He arranged for CNN to cover a CAP mission showing what it is like for a small plane flying into restricted airspace to be intercepted by F-16 fighters. He also provided live analysis of aviation emergencies such as when an airliner slid off the end of a runway at Chicago’s Midway airport, crashed through a fence and stopped in the middle of a busy street.

Freed’s other reporting covered a wide range of events and issues throughout his career including the impeachment and trial of former President Bill Clinton, the Supreme Court showdown over the 2000 presidential election, the Academy Awards and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Civil Air Patrol Assists the Red Cross Assessing Flood Damage in Rockford

 

 

 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

By Capt H. Michael Miley
Mission Information Officer
Woodfield Composite Squadron

Rockford, IL - This week, members of the Illinois Wing wrapped up a successful mission to support the American Red Cross who requested CAP's assistance in assessing flood damage to local homes in the wake of storms on August 7th. Early Friday morning, ten Civil Air Patrol members arrived at the Halstad Center, a Red Cross Shelter. The Red Cross Director of Operations, J. K. Strong, said of CAP "We used you last year in Springfield (IL) and you guys were a godsend. Glad to have you with us again."

The morning started with a detailed briefing from Mike Harmon, the Red Cross Manager of Damage Assessment who is himself a volunteer from Missouri. "You are all from Illinois and are helping your neighbors get through tough times." Soon, the nine member CAP team, lead by Major Robert Williams, CAP, entered the area surrounding the nearby Churchill Park near 7th Ave and 15th St. in Rockford.

During the day-long mission, the ground team looked at approximately five hundred homes for signs of flood damage and cataloged those structures effected. They found 309 damaged homes including nine that met the Red Cross' criteria of "destroyed." Residents in effected homes who are looking for continued assistance are urged to talk to the Red Cross either by calling toll-free to 1-866-GET-INFO or to walk to the Halstad Center, 1300 17th Street, Rockford IL.

The Civil Air Patrol members involved represented CAP units from the Rockford, Springfield, and Chicago areas and included a mix of ages including cadets of high school age on up to CAP officers who took time away from work to help. The Incident Commander, Col. Joseph S. King, CAP, wishes to thank the following members for their time and effort:

Palwaukee Composite Squadron
- Maj Robert J. Williams, Ground Team Leader

Rockford Composite Squadron
- Capt Jerry G. Scherer, Ground Team Member
- C/2LT Justin C. Scherer, Ground Team Member
- C/2LT Trevor M. Kahl, Ground Team Member

Chicago Midway Composite Squadron
- 2LT Charles MacDonald, Ground Team Member
- SM John C. Stys, Ground Team Member
- 2LT Francois M. Blumenfeld-Kouchner, Ground Team Member
- 2LT Michael T. Donigain, Ground Team Member

Elgin Composite Squadron
- Capt Robert B. Becker, Ground Team Member

Woodfield Composite Squadron
- H. Michael Miley, Information Officer

McHenry County Composite Squadron Hosts Special Events

By 1st Lt James Kalemis
Commander
McHenry County Composite Squadron

      

   

   

      

The McHenry County Composite Squadron held a special event night this week.  The events occurred at the Challenger Learning Center in Woodstock. Mr. Steven Otten, Executive Director of the Learning Center, was gracious to offer us the Center for our use.  The Challenger Learning Center's mission is very similar to the Civil Air Patrol's - to promote leadership, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills while supporting our country's goals of improving science, math and technology education - and having our event at the Learning Center was a perfect venue.

 

   

   

   

   

The events were officiated by the Master of Ceremonies, 1st Lt Diane Workman.  The night began with the Posting of the Colors.  Cadets Ross Kohler, Krystal Freund, Maria Mangano, andJared Hendler proudly posted the squadron flag adorned with the Unit Citation banner.  The Color Guard was followed by the formal and somber POW/MIA Table Ceremony.  The ceremony is a tribute to our servicemen who have not returned from duty.  Cadets Shelby McMahon, Krystal Freund, Maria Mangano and Emily Medina performed the ceremony with honor and reverence.

 

   

      

   

Congressman Don Manzullo, Representative of the 16th District of IL, was our honored guest for the next event.  Cadet Col Maria Mangano was presented with the General Carl A Spaatz Award.  Cadet Mangano is the 1643rd receipient of the Award since it's inception in 1964 our of over 800,000 cadets.  More significantly, Cadet Mangano is the first female cadet to receive the Spaatz Award in IL in 10 years. 

 

 

      

   

The Award presentation was followed by the MCCS Cadet Change of Command. Cadet Major Steven Decraene relinquished command to Cadet Lt Emily Medina.  We are all proud of the service Cadet Decraene has afforded to the squadron and we are confident Cadet Medina will do an outstanding job.  Cadet Decrane was presented with a photo montage of his service as a gift of appreciation from the Commander.

 

   

   

       

   

The evening was concluded with additional photos with the Honored Congressman and a social with cake and refreshments.

   

   

    

 

   

Photo of the proud Mangano family with Congressman Don Manzullo.  All photos by 2nd Lt Paul Ebanks.

Palwaukee Composite Squadron Hosts SAREX

By 1st Lt James Kalemis
Commander, McHenry County Composite Squadron
Assistant Emergency Services Officer, ILWG

A funded Search and Rescue exercise was held out of Palwaukee Airport (Chicago Exec) and Chain O Lakes Forest Preserve.  The base was staffed by Incident Commander Maj Rhonda Anderson and Safety Officer 1st Lt Gillingham.  Three aircrew sorties were flown for a total of almost 5 hours flying time.   The aircrews consisted of Maj Danny Degott, 1st Lts Jay Trivedi, Mark Kurzinski and Dave Gillingham, 2nd Lt Jim Krieger, and Capt Joe Long.  The sorties consisted of an ELT search coordinating with the ground teams, and two sorties were surveys of the bridges along the Fox River looking for damage and potential flooding.

Seventeen members from six squadrons particiapted on the ground teams.  The teams were led by Maj Andy Welch acting as the Ground Branch Director and 1st Lt James Kalemis as the Ground Team Lead.  The team led by Lt Kalemis consisted of members who did not have a GTM SQTR yet.  Lt Kalemis covered all the GTM3 Familiarization and Prepatory tasks, including a large compass course put together by Midway Composite Squadron Lts John Stys and Bree Gotsdiner.  When the prepatory tasks were completed, the team executed an ELT find training mission.

The second ground team participated in an ELT find mission with the aircrews. The team began searching for the practice beacon utilizing standard UDF techniques as well as terrain / weather evaluation and related tasks. The aircrew assisted in the search by using their DF equipment and attempting to guide the Ground Team to the probable area. The team practiced air-to-ground coordination using VHF radios and signal mirrors.

After lunch the Spring Grove Fire Dept was on scene to contact the Flight For Life Helicopter on EMS GREEN channel and assist landing the aircraft. CAP personnel were staged at a safe distance awaiting the rotors to come to a final stop. The flight crew of the helicopter, commanded by Capt Jerry Notowitz, proceeded to explain what to look for in a possible landing zone (LZ) when a helicopter is needed. The crew also offered  first hand experiences regarding medevac in the field. An opportunity was given to all our members to ask questions followed by a tour of the aircraft, including a peek at its ELT.

National Cadet Competition 2007 Results

Color Guard
1st Place: Southwest Region (AZ)
2nd Region: Southeast Region (FL)
3rd Place: Pacific Rim Region (CA)

Drill Team
1st Place: Southeast Region (PR)
2nd Place: Southwest Region (AZ)
3rd Place: Middle East Region (DE)

Day Two of the National Cadet Competition

Today the eight region Drill Teams and eight Color Guard Teams competed in Panel Quiz, Written Examination, plus Standard Drill for the Color Guard Teams and Innovative Drill for the Drill Teams.  The panel quizes and examinations were held at Wright State University, while the drills were held at the Air Force Museum.

Photos from day two of the events are on the Photo Page.

Day One of Competitions at NCC 2007

Day one events at the National Cadet Competition consisted of Inspection and Standard Drill for the Drill Teams; Inspections and Indoor Posting for the Color Guard Teams.  All events were at the Air Force Museum.  At night we witnessed a Tattoo, aircraft flyovers and a fireworks show at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Photos from the events are on the  Photo Page.