Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • Page 541

i Z21 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011 For CAP cadets, the sky's no. limit N. Phoenix program creates opportunities and stresses leadership r-i Brian Connelly (left) pins new ranks on his son, Michael Connelly, 13, a Civil Air Patrol cadet in Deer Valley Squadron 302 during their weekly meeting at the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. 1 CRYSTAL OCHOATHE REPUBLIC By Betty Reid The Republic azcentral.com Before Ethan McDermott considered joining the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, the Anthem teen feared men in green fatigues yelling commands. His fears were unfounded, but the 13-year-old did learn about aerospace and leadership after signing up for the program in November.

Ethan is part of the Air Force Auxiliary's Civil Air Patrol, Squadron 302, Deer Valley Composite, which meets Mondays at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport Since joining the program, Ethan has had his share of adventures. For one day in January, Ethan was named "flight marshal," a title that allowed him to direct a small plane filled with Anthem teachers on the airport ramp. In December, he flew a Cessna 182 for one mile in the sky on the way to Wickenburg under the watchful eye of a licensed CAP pilot "I don't know how to drive but I flew," Ethan said. "The flight was exciting and I felt freedom." Ethan, who has adjusted to the commands, is among Arizona's 600 cadets. His group is led by 2nd Lt.

Paul Cassano, the Deer Valley squadron's deputy commander. The cadet program is drawing a growing number of youths, Cassano said. About 63 cadets joined in 2010, up from 45 in 2009, he said. Cassano often sees shy boys and girls enter the program and leave with self-confidence. "They are encouraged by their peers, who are in the same boat" he said.

"It's not a competition like a school would be. The only competition might be how good is your uniform compared to mine. They are taught to learn respective rank, discipline and the focus that the CAP places on their grades." The curriculum is called Cadet Great Start. Cadets learn military customs, how to march in military formations and how to grow into a leader by understanding how to follow directions. The cadets also Eligibility Ages: 12 to 21.

Fee: There is a fee but only after a student becomes committed to the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. It could include a uniform and dues for national registration and local squadron. Where: The Deer Valley CAP Cadet Squadron 302 meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, 702 W. Deer Valley Road.

Awards: The squadron recently received the Quality Cadet Unit Award from the Civil Air Patrol national headquarters. The group was among 14 squadrons in the Southwest region to receive the recognition, which honors units with strong programs, Information: Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program Orientation: Prospective students may attend orientation for the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program the first Monday each month. There is no charge or obligation to sign up. The goal is help students decide if the CAP cadet program is right for them. Aerospace education: Cadets learn about the history of airplanes, weather and science related to flight.

The program allows cadets to fly six times in glider flights. Students how to build paper gliders and get a chance to launch a 30-foot rocket. Emergency services: Cadets learn about how to cope with on-land emergencies. Cadets learn flight-line marshaling, where they are taught and are exposed to helping move a plane on an airport ramp. Source Squadron 302.

learn about opportunities that are available to them. Some cadets, upon completion of the program, pursue aviation careers. Others join the armed services. Some cadets receive scholarships to pursue their pilot's license at a discount. This requires students spending a week at a flight school in Indiana.

"It cost about $2,000," said Jerad Hoff, Cassano's assistant deputy commander. "The amount of aviation experience they get for that kind of money, I can't get that if I wanted to get a pilot's license." According to Cassano, the cadets can join the adult Civil Air Patrol in on-land aviation search-and-rescue missions. For example, if an airplane is reported missing, the Air Force is in charge of finding the plane but it taps the CAP. "Cadets get to come along, too," Cassano said. "As long as they have appropriate training and they demonstrate that they can do the task they need to do.

They come along, not as kids, but they are part of the team and are given specific.