Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Cadet makes first solo flight

Parents on hand to witness occasion

Gerald Garner Jr. El Defensor Chieftain Editor, ggarner@dchieftain.com

Alex Cases-Weaver has dreamed of flying since he was a boy.

The Socorro resident and member of the Socorro Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol made that dream a reality last month during the June 11-25 CAP National Flight Academy at Nebraska's Camp Ashland. The CAP Cadet Staff Sergeant and his family's spirits have been soaring high ever since.

Cases-Weaver was one of 21 CAP cadets to attend the North Central region's academy, which is open to cadets from across the country ages 16-21.

While he learned a lot during the intensive two-week training, Alex said learning to fly was by far the coolest aspect.

"Flying everyday was the best thing about the Academy," Alex said. "I learned how to fly an airplane, how to take off, practice emergency procedures (like engine failure), stay in traffic patterns and how to land."

Alex's parents — 1st Lt. Dawn Weaver and 2nd Lt. Darryl Cases — also attended the academy where they served as staff members. They were also on hand to watch as their son fulfilled his dream

"The best thing about going to Nebraska was being able to be there when my son achieved his dream of flying, which he has had since he was a boy," Darryl Cases said. "I enjoyed watching the young CAP cadets taking on a dangerous responsibility, flying an airplane and succeeding — these will be our future aviators."

Dawn Weaver echoed her husband's sentiments.

"The best part was getting to be there to see my son's face right after he soloed," she said.

The academy's mission was spelled out to CAP cadet by Capt. Andrew H. McCaddin's welcome letter.

The cadets had a "unique opportunity experience multiple aerospace activities while simultaneously interacting with some of the top Cadets and Senior Officers from across the nation," the CAP Deputy Director wrote. "This flight academy laid a solid foundation for continued training toward an FAA private pilot certificate and beyond."

Participants underwent 24 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of flight instruction before taking solo flights.

Cases-Weaver honored

Not only did Alex Cases-Weaver get the chance to spread his proverbial wings, he impressed many officials at the two-week long camp. His infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail earned him the academy's coveted Frank Heath Award.

The award, academy officials said, was originally created to honor the most improved cadet at the academy. It bears the name of Frank Heath, a CAP member who attended the national flight academy and was tragically killed in a one-car accident.

Among those that Alex impressed was Lt. Col. Rocky Richards of the Nebraska WING.

Richards noted during graduation that the Frank Heath Award has undergone a transformation over the years.

"Sometimes I believe it is for the cadet who overcomes the most obstacles in their quest for a solo license," Richards said. "... Sometimes it is a cadet who catches my attention and I find myself thinking, 'That is so Frank.'

"Alex did catch my attention, made a whole lot of friends, worked hard to have an enjoyable time, soloed, and struck me as the cadet with a lot of promise," Richards continued. "... The Academy gives a Top Cadet Award; Frank's should be considered the most well-rounded, promising future flyer award."

For Alex's parents, the real reward was seeing their son set a goal and achieve it.

"It was a great experience that I wished I could have done when I was that age," Darryl Cases said. "I would encourage all teenagers to strive for their heart's desires, like my son did with his love of planes."

Dawn Weaver says she's looking forward to sending her daughter to the academy down the road.

"I can't wait to take my oldest daughter, Taylor, who is a CAP cadet, to the academy in three years, when she's old enough," Weaver said.

The local squadron thanks all who contributed to the fundraising efforts.

The Socorro Composite Squadron welcomes new members. The squadron meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Socorro County Annex Building, 198 Neal.

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