Fall 2002 Volume 1, Issue 1

Quarterly Newsletter for the Los Alamos Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol

The Mountain Wave

SQUADON WINS FIVE AWARDS AT WING CONFERENCE

Special Interest Articles:
Squadron takes home 5 awards Veterans Day Ceremony 2003 National Cadet Special Activities

The Los Alamos Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) won five top awards from the annual Regional and Wing Conference, held Oct. 18-20 in Albuquerque, N.M. Captain David L. McClard was honored as Squadron Commander of the Year for his outstanding leadership of the squadron. McClard also received the Outstanding Contributions to Public Affairs award. Serving in various positions, McClard has been involved in CAP for 13 years. He has been the commander of the Los Alamos Squadron for two years. The Safety Officer of the Year award went to Major Robert B. Gibson. Safety First is a top priority for CAP members as they perform their missions. As Safety Officer, Gibson regularly educates and reminds the squadron of safety issues specific to mountain flying. Gibson has been with the Los Alamos CAP squadron for 23 years. The composite squadron, made up of Senior Members and Cadets, received

the Wings Squadron of the Year award. The diligent work by so many of our members to improve their skills, paid off. Many participated in search and rescue exercises, competed in national flying competitions, attended weekend seminars, and regularly practiced the skills necessary for mountain flying. Additionally, the cadets attended state encampments, the New Mexico glider encampment, various national encampments, and participated in parades in Los Alamos and around the state. The squadron was also recognized for its excellence in emergency services by being awarded the Emergency Services Squadron of the Year. This highly prestigious award is given to the squadron that demonstrates superior training, aircrew proficiency, and emergency services readiness.

Inside the Wave:

Safety Alert JD Huss speaks New Members Cadet Corner Announcements Special Activities Scholarships 2 3 3 3&4 4 5 6

Discipline makes small numbers formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to all. General George Washington

CADETS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

All eyes were focused on the Los Alamos Color Guard flag detail as they raised Old Glory to her proper placeatop the community flagpole, thus beginning the Los Alamos Veterans Day celebration. C/SMSgt. Marit Christensen slowly hoisted as C/TSgt. Keith Parker and C/SMSgt. Curtis Christensen unfurled the United States flag and the New Mexico state flag, assisted by C/SSgt. th Rose Parker. As if on cue, the 150 Tactical Fighter Group of the New Mexico National Guard zoomed overhead following the raising of the flag. An additional color guard, consisting of C/SSgt. Jesse Peters, C/SSgt. Victor Stearns, C/TSgt. Jonathan Roybal, and C/SMSgt. Shannon Kruse, joined eleven other color guards as they beautifully adorned the outdoor stage of the municipal building. The 45minute ceremony proceeded without a glitch.
CADETS, page 2

Los Alamos Composite Squadron

NEW SENIOR MEMBERS
SEPTEMBER Brian Arnold
(recruited by Cadet Marit Christensen)

CADETS A portion of the ceremony consisted of the American Legions Blue Star Banner presentation. The cadets not serving in one of the color guards, proudly escorted mothers and grandmothers to the podium to receive their bannerswhich signifies that they have children serving in the United States military. Following the ceremony, the all of the cadets pitched in to break down the

seating area and loaded the chairs onto the truck. Several cadets policed the grounds to make sure the trash was picked up and thrown away. All in all it was a very successful day. Our cadets not only observed but also participated in a meaningful commemoration of all the sacrifices made by our countrys veterans.
CADETS: Be sure to read For Future EventsA Reminder of Proper Protocol

Betty Harmony Stephen Harmony NOVEMBER Dwight Kruse

(recruited by Cadet Shannon Kruse)

Safety Alert
We are anticipating renewed mission assignments in the very near future on customs and perhaps Homeland Security! We have not been flying regularly for the past year and most of our pilots are not as proficient as they should be. Our National Director of Safety (Gary Woodsmall) gave a presentation to our Southwest Region Conference stressing the necessity for professionalism in our operations in order to ensure our customers confidence in our abilities to carry out our missions effectively. Civil Air Patrol has not had a good year with several accidents and mishaps! In one of these, three fatalities resulted, one of which was a customer! We must hone our skills and attain that quality called professionalism before these missions arrive. Col. Norvell has suggested a Safety Standdown Day be accomplished as soon a practicable by each of New Mexico Wings units. In this Safety Standdown Day the unit commander and safety officer should review each pilots records and discuss means to increase their SAFETY performance and pilot skills. During this event, we ask that each pilot and aircrew member do a selfassessment of their skills and attitudes towards mission performance standards. If they have not maintained their currency during the period of inactivity, they should make arrangement for a check ride with the unit check pilot! Any individual, current or not who feels the need for honing their skills should make an appointment with an instructor or check pilot for a skill review. We require that

on page 4.

20 October 2002

Special Conference Edition

this special meeting be accomplished within the next 15 days and reported as soon as accomplished to the New Mexico Wing Safety Officer. In this report, the topics discussed and the attendance will be listed. The short performance time reflects an expectation of the timing for mission resumption. In all our operations, safety and professional behavior is a must! In addition to the discussion of pilot skills and means for improvement, topics pertinent to the upcoming season should be reviewed (icing for example) as should the CAP accidents discussed in our National Safety Newsletter, The Sentinel with particular attention to our recent accident history. Pilots missing this special review will not operate CAP assets until their performance is reviewed and the meeting topics briefed to them. CAPs Safety Director also made some specific comments about the use of dip sticks for the monitoring of fuel usage. In his presentation, he directed that devices not made by the aircraft manufacturer and calibrated for the specific aircraft, not be used! Mr. Woodsmall said that the only reliable instrument for estimation of fuel consumption is worn on the arm! (I note that that device [clock or watch] also needs calibration from full tanks to full tanks) In response to this presentation, The New Mexico Wing Commander has directed that the dip sticks now in use be discarded and their use discontinued.

NEW CADETS
SEPTEMBER Aaron Hurd Philip Kestell
(recruited by Cadet Matthew Simmons)

OCTOBER Claire Longo

(recruited by Cadet Deborah Francisco)

Helen Longo
(recruited by Cadet Gretta Christensen)

Afsheen Banisadr
(recruited by Cadet Annette Peters)

Beau Brunner NOVEMBER James Sheppard

(recruited by Cadet Joshua Roybal)

Joshua Collier
(recruited by Cadet Curtis Christensen)

FSDO Safety Inspector Speaks to Squadron

Los Alamos Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol P.O. Box 741 Los Alamos, NM 87544 COMMANDER David L. McClard DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR SENIORS Larry L. Tellier
JD Huss, the FAAs Flight Standard Division Offices (FSDO) Safety Inspector spoke at the November 5 Senior meeting. In addition to abundant statistics, great stories, and useful information, Huss distributed material about WINGS, a pilot proficiency award. A pilot need not accomplish the flight review requirements of 14 CFR part 61,61.56 if, th since the beginning of the 24 calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot in command, he or she has satisfactorily completed one or more phases of an FAA sponsored Pilot Proficiency Award Program in an aircraft (reference 61.56(f)). WINGS is open to all pilots holding a recreational certificaste or higher with a current medical certificate, when required. After youve logged three hours of dual instruction unde the program and attended at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar, you will be elibible to receive and wear a distinctive set of WINGS. You will also receive a certificate of completion. More Wings to Work For Each twelve month interval after earning your first set of WINGS you will be eligible for more WINGS. Each WINGS pin is specially designed to mark you additional progress. WINGSThe Sign of a Safe Pilot Its a factrecurrent training makes a difference. Statistics show that pilots who participate in recurrent training programs, such as WINGS, have a much better safety record than pilots who do not. Earning your WINGS could have a positive impact on your aviation costs. Be sure to inform your insurance agent of your commitment to the WINGS program. For more information about WINGS, contact Robert Gibson, rbg@lanl.gov

WINGS
A Special Opportunity for All Pilots WINGS is the FAA Pilot Proficiency Award program designed to encourage general aviation pilots to continue their training. It provides an opportunity to practice selected maneuvers in a minimum of instruction time. WINGS is an excellent opportunity for you to reevaluate your flight proficiency and knowledge. If Youre a Pilot, Youre Eligible

The Cadet Corner

Educating and training responsible and productive citizens
For those Senior Members who are unfamiliar with the third pillar of Civil Air Patrol, take a moment to read about the Cadet Program. Just over a year ago we had one member in our Cadet Program. Today we have over 40, thanks to the diligent efforts of Commander McClard and a few other Senior Members. But who are these kids, and why is the Cadet Program a major emphasis of the Civil Air Patrol? Quoting from the national website, the cadet program is designed to foster leadership and good citizenship in Americas youth, using aerospace education, Air Force role models and emphasis on public service. Cadets may participate in a variety of activities, gain rank and increased recognition in the program and receive benefits for participation in the program should they choose to enter military service. Most of all, it challenges them to learn and grow in ways they may not have had the opportunity to were it not for the program. The Cadet Program itself is divided into five phasesthe Motivation Phase, and four primary phases (the Learning Phase, the Leadership Phase, the Command Phase, and the Executive Phase)dedicated phases for learning and growth.

Were on the Web!

See us at:
http://sulphurcanyon.com/lacap/

The Corner Continued

Los Alamos Cadet Squadron Educating and training responsible and productive citizens IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR WINTER ENCAMPMENT
ALPHA FLIGHT LEADER
Keith Parker New Mexico Wing Cadets wanting to attend the Winter Encampment December 26-30 at Kirtland AFB can still apply up until December 1st, 2002. The encampment will cost $50. Cadets will need to bring sleeping bags for use in the Wing Headquarters Building or other buildings we will use for the night. Meals will be served in the Kirtland AFB Dining Hall. Although sleeping on the floor at is not the most comfortable approach, we felt paying $19 per night for base billeting was too cost prohibitive for most cadets. Applications for this encampment should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than December 1st, 2002. Mail your CAP Form 31 to Lt Col Paul J. Ballmer, CAP; 6544 Pine Park Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Payment for the encampment in the form of a check for $50 made out to the Civil Air Patrol will be required prior to the start of the Encampment. To be eligible to attend this encampment, Cadets must have a current ID card and completed their 1st Achievement by the start of the Encampment. Senior Members interested in attending as staff members must have completed Level One and Cadet Protection Training. This encampment will give cadets full encampment credit. The schedule has been set following the Required Minimum Course Content Chart (Figure 51-) in CAPM 52-16. Any cadet hoping to complete their Mitchell Award before July 2003 will need to have credit for an encampment on their record prior to the receipt of the Mitchell Award. This encampment will provide you with that credit if you have not previously attended an encampment. If you have any questions, please contact Lt Col Paul J. Ballmer, CAP via e-mail (PJBallmer@worldnet.att.net) or call him in the evenings at 505-323-6069.

BROVO FLIGHT LEADER

Shannon Kruse

CHARLIE FLIGHT LEADER

Marit Christensen

CADET ADVISOR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

Jesse Peters

FOR FUTURE EVENTSA REMINDER OF PROPER PROTOCOL

We will not wear civilian gloves while in uniform. We will wear a cover whenever in uniform outdoors. We will insure that when in uniform, the uniform is complete. We will salute when appropriate when in uniform (e.g. Raising of national Ensign, Pledge of Allegiance, during National Anthem). We will not salute if not covered during the raising of National Ensign, Pledge of Allegiance or during National Anthem).

December 10th will be our Squadron Christmas Party at Crossroads Bible Church from 6-8pm. This will be a potluck. Please bring plates and silverware for your family. Drinks will be provided by CAP. Crossroads Bible Church is located on 97 East Road in Los Alamos. For you landmark folks, the church in on Hwy 502 between the airport and the Hilltop Houseon the south side of the road.