Civil Air Patrol to form a new flight from Sebring Airport Authority to host National Flight Academy

If you or a youngster of yours are interested in becoming a pilot or serving with them, the Civil Air Patrol has an opportunity for you.

Capt. David H. Bynum, Group 5 director of Operations for the Naples Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, said the branch of service wants to start up the Highlands County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and is inviting anyone interested in joining to a special meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Sebring Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is looking for adults ages 19 and older, with no age limit, and young adults ages 12-18 interested in becoming members.

This can include non-pilot, pilot, drone, communications or many other opportunities, Bynum said, with a chance to learn leadership skills, character development, aerospace technology and discipline.

“All training is provided, and no military experience is required. Whatever skill or interest you have, there is a place for you in the Civil Air Patrol,” Bynum said.

An all-volunteer auxiliary and Total Force partner of the U. S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and drones for search, rescue, disaster relief, training, and education, according to its website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

Capt. Ronald Rowe, of the SRQ Composite Squadron out of Sarasota, said the cadet program allows youth ages 12-21 to get experience and work toward earning a private pilot’s license.

At the same time as the formation meeting, Sebring Regional Airport will also host the Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, featuring cadets ages 12-18 from around the United States who have won placement in the program.

Between Dec. 27, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024, they will receive ground and flight instruction in preparation to fly solo, with the entire event led by Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Vazquez, former national commander of the Civil Air Patrol.

Rowe said the event, with 10 cadets, will get them certified with flight instrumentation, trained by former military pilots.

The airport, Runway Cafe and Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel are also supporting the event, Bynum said.

“We like Sebring,” Rowe said of the squadron, both for its location and its charm. “I’m a fifth-generation Floridian, and Sebring is just like Florida used to be.”