Civil Air Patrol showcase Socorro Airport

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Civil Air Patrol hosted an open house at Socorro Municipal Airport, to highlight both the airport’s value to the community and the wide-ranging work of Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

“The airport is such an asset to the community. It brings in tourists, hunters from across the country, and provides critical medical transport services several times a week,” said the Socorro Composite Squadron’s Deputy Commander and Public Affairs Officer David Finley.

The City of Socorro, which owns and operates the airport, co-sponsored the event with CAP. In recent years, the airport has undergone significant improvements with help from Federal Aviation Administration funding, and city leaders are eager to showcase it. Pilots’ forums online have praised the facility for its maintenance and cleanliness, drawing visitors who fly in to enjoy local attractions. The airport is also a hub during hunting season, when private jets bring sportsmen from across the country, providing a boost to outfitters and local businesses.

Perhaps less visible but equally important is the airport’s role in emergency medical transport. CAP Finley estimated that two to three times each week, planes use the airport to carry patients in or out of Socorro. Flights range from local transfers to Albuquerque to long-distance missions taking patients to specialty hospitals in Texas, Arizona, or California.

During the open house, Civil Air Patrol members demonstrated their aircraft and equipment. Four CAP planes were on display, flown in from Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Alamogordo. Cadets from across the state took part, some experiencing orientation flights that give youth ages 12 to 18 the chance to take the controls of a plane.

CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and operates as a nonprofit corporation chartered by Congress. Nationwide, CAP has about 60,000 members and maintains the largest fleet of single-engine aircraft in the world, said Finley, along with 1,500 vehicles and extensive communications systems. All missions are flown by trained volunteers, with costs for aircraft, maintenance, and fuel supported by the Air Force.

The organization has three primary missions: emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. CAP aircrews perform search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and aerial photography to help emergency managers assess damage after floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. “We can show incident commanders exactly where to put their resources,” said Finley. “That makes a huge difference in saving lives and protecting property.”

The cadet program introduces young people to aviation, STEM education, and leadership opportunities. Cadets attend summer encampments, specialized academies, and even flight schools. Some earn enough training to solo, and a competitive national program allows top cadets to earn their private pilot licenses with costs fully covered—an opportunity worth thousands of dollars.

Aerospace education is CAP’s third pillar, bringing aviation and space science curriculum to classrooms nationwide. CAP estimates its educational programs reach more than half a million students each year.

Locally, the Socorro Composite Squadron meets Thursday evenings at Socorro High School. Both cadets and adults are encouraged to join, with adults taking on roles from administration and finance to flight crew and emergency response.

Though the turnout at the open house was modest, organizers said they remain committed to holding similar events in the future to showcase what the airport and Civil Air Patrol can offer.

“CAP is a tremendous opportunity for learning and for service,” Finley said. “For cadets, it can open doors to careers in aviation and science. For adults, it’s a chance to serve your community, your state and your nation.”

Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com to learn how to get involved.