MOUNT VERNON — A small Cessna aircraft took off from the Knox County Regional Airport in Mount Vernon bound for Mason County, Kentucky. Residents of Milford Township in Knox County reported seeing a small aircraft flying low and the aircraft reportedly did not arrive at its destination.
While this scenario is fictitious, its potential was taken seriously by members of the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, who recently began training in the CAP Emergency Services mission.
As the Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol conducts about 90 percent of all inland search and rescue (SAR) missions in the United States. Tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), the all-volunteer auxiliary saves an average of over 100 lives annually using aircrews, ground teams, and advanced tracking technology.
Using the Milford Township property of Deputy Squadron Commander for Seniors, Capt. John Morgan, as the training base, both adults and youth in the Cadet Program learned and practiced radio communication skills and compass and map reading.
Ohio Wing, Southeast Group Deputy Commander, Major Jeff Beckman, was on hand with Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) detecting equipment. An ELT is an emergency radio beacon installed in aircraft.
When triggered by a hard crash or activated by hand, it sends a distress signal to satellites and rescue teams.
Using a practice ELT, the unit learned to read the bearing of the ELT signal, as well as triangulating the signal from multiple locations.
Since Civil Air Patrol vehicles are used for these missions, the members participating were also were instructed in how to do a thorough inspection of such vehicle prior to use.
“Responding to potential situations like a downed aircraft or a missing person is a major component of our Emergency Services mission, along with disaster response and other missions assigned by the Air Force, FEMA, or other governmental agencies,” Capt. Morgan said.
“Our highly trained aircrews and ground teams are a valuable resource to our communities, state and nation.”
The Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron meets every Monday evening at 6 p.m. at the Knox County Airport terminal building. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12 to 18. The program focuses on Leadership, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness and Character Development.
For more information on the Cadet Program or adult volunteer opportunities, please contact Capt. John Morgan, CAP, at 740-263-1664.