Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Celebrating 50 years of service in 2007

Full Throttle
Monthly e-newsletter of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, Civil Air Patrol
Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

1 Lt. Paula Ramage, Squadron Commander

50 years of service to Arizona and America 1957-2007

Vol. 1, No. 6 February 2007

New cadet commander installed

C/Maj. Matthew Ramage, a private pilot and freshman majoring in global business at ASU West, has been installed as cadet commander of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302. He succeeds C/Lt. Col. Elliott Korona, who has turned 21 and joined the adult ranks of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a first lieutenant. C/Maj. Ramage is an excellent choice for this key leadership position because of his experience and dedicated service to the squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, says 2 Lt. Casey Young, deputy commander for cadets. He has (Continued on page 2)

Command Change C/Maj. Matthew Ramage (right) accepts his post as the new cadet commander from 1 Lt. Paula Ramage, squadron commander. C/Capt. Justin Lennon, cadet deputy commander, looks on.

Inside Full Throttle

Highlights of command change Getting to know: aerospace officer Upcoming events Safety: pre-flight briefing form Flight-hours update Cadet promotions

1-4 5 6 7 8 11

See the January-March Quarterly Training Schedule (QTS) for upcoming events and contact information. Also, go to http:// azwg.cap.gov and click on calendar to view activities within the Civil Air Patrols Arizona Wing.

Performing Missions For America

Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)

 C/Maj. Ramage assumes squadron cadet leadership

(Continued from page 1) earned the respect of the cadets under his command and brings sound judgment and character to his new post. We also extend our sincere appreciation to C/Lt. Col. Korona for his exceptional service to the squadron and its cadets. C/Maj. Ramage has been elevated from his position as cadet deputy commander. He joined CAP and the squadron in January 2002 and has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments and awards. The new cadet commander was a member of the Southwest Region Drill Team that won the CAP Cadet National Competition in 2006. He attended CAPs prestigious 2006 National Blue C/Maj. Matthew Ramage Beret at Oshkosh, Wis., was a member of the Honor Flight at the 2005 Cadet Office School at CAPs national headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and participated in the Air Education Training Command in 2004 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Tex. He also has taken part in two basic and two staff encampments, including selection as Honor Flight commander at the most recent encampment event. His CAP citations include the Wright Brothers, Mitchell and Earhart ribbons as well as Commanders Commendation and Exceptional Service awards. Since earning his private pilots license in April 2006, C/Maj. Ramage has logged more than 100 hours of powered flight time and is pursuing his instrument/commercial pilots rating. In addition, he has soloed in a glider and received a scholarship from the Arizona Wing of CAP to pursue his pilot training. Full Throttle is the monthly e-newsletter for He graduated in 2006 from South Officers, Cadets and friends of Deer Valley ComMountain High School where he carried posite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, Civil Air Paa 4.04 grade-point average in honors trol. Its mission is to bolster communication with and among Officers and Cadets, enhance awareclasses, graduated in the top 5 percent of ness of squadron activities, and share news and his class and was a member of the Nainformation about the squadron and its personnel. tional Honor Society. He also was a disThe newsletter also can be viewed on-line at tance runner for the schools crosshttp://azwg.cap.gov/units/302. country team. He attends ASU West on a Story suggestions and submissions can be forfull scholarship. warded by the 15th of the month preceding publiC/Maj. Ramage is one of two sons of cation to Lt. Jerry Porter, squadron public-affairs Squadron Commander 1 Lt. Paula officer, at civilairpatrolsq302pao@cox.net. Ramage and former Squadron ComTo guarantee receipt of the newsletter, readers mander Lt. Col. Ken Ramage. In addishould ensure their e-mail addresses and other contact information remain current with the squad- tion to his flying interests, he enjoys outron and on e-services at www.capnhg.gov. door activities such as hunting and shooting.

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Cadet Command Change (Top photo): C/Maj. Matthew Ramage (second from right) addresses the flights after being installed as cadet commander. Also shown are (from left) Squadron Commander 1 Lt. Paula Ramage; Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch (in background); C/Capt. Justin Lennon, cadet deputy commander; and C/Lt. Col. Elliott Korona, outgoing cadet commander. (Right photo): C/Lt. Col. Elliott Korona relinquishes cadet command to Squadron Commander 1 Lt. Paula Ramage as C/Capt. Justin Lennon looks on.

New Chapter On his 21st birthday, C/Lt. Col. Elliott Korona, outgoing squadron cadet commander, receives his first lieutenants bars as a Civil Air Patrol adult member from his parents and Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch (second from left).

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Changing squadron command

Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch (above left) presents command of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 to 1 Lt. Paula Ramage as outgoing Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Ken Ramage (right) and C/Capt. Justin Lennon (center) observe the ceremony. (Inset photo): Moments earlier, Lt. Col. Ramage relinquishes squadron command to Col. Lynch as C/Capt. Lennon watches.

Governor commends Ramage

Following is the text of a letter from Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano commending Lt. Col. Ken Ramage on his service as squadron commander of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
January 5, 2007 Dear Lt. Colonel Ramage: On behalf of the State of Arizona, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you for your acceptance of the position of director of operations and homeland security for Arizona Wing Group 4 of the Civil Air Patrol. This important new chapter Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch (left) presents the in your life follows a distinguished record of service including governors letter of commendayour command of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the tion to Lt. Col. Ken Ramage. Civil Air Patrol, which under your leadership was recognized as CAPs National Squadron of Distinction. Your record of conduct, performance and devotion to duty reflects your allegiance to the highest standards of the military profession. It is indeed an honor to pay tribute to the important milestones in an individuals life. It is obvious that military service is a Ramage family tradition, and I know you are proud of the three generations of your family that have also served with distinction. I extend my heartfelt thanks for your hard work and dedicated efforts. May you continue to find challenge and reward in your new assignment. Yours very truly, Janet Napolitano Governor

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Getting to know

Aerospace officer leads cadets to national award

Eight Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 cadets under the guidance of Capt. Susan Drenkhahn, squadron aerospace officer, recently shared in the receipt of the Civil Air Patrols (CAPs) 2005-2006 Aerospace Excellence Education Award for outstanding achievement in promoting aerospace education. Capt. Susan Drenkhahn Cadets whose participation earned the squadron the national recognition include C/A1C Kristopher Glocksien, C/CMSgt. Jessica Bayne, C/TSgt. Aaron Massengale C/MSgt. Ben Ferson, C/SMSgt. Robert Gassert, C/AB Michael Matter, C/MSgt. Juan Avalos and C/SrA Garrett Eaves. 1 Lt. Paula Ramage, squadron commander, accepted the award on behalf of the cadets and the squadron from Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch. Congratulations are extended to Capt. Drenkhahn for her leadership that has enabled the squadron to earn this prestigious award and to the cadets who worked under her guidance to achieve it. Following are questions and answers to help cadets and adult officers to become better acquainted with Capt. Drenkhahn and her contributions to CAP and the squadron: When did you join CAP and the squadron? Capt. Drenkhahn: I joined CAP on Oct. 31, 2001. What led you to join the organization? Capt. Drenkhahn: The school at which I worked began CAP Squadron 307 (no longer active) in Gilbert. I was interested in aerospace, so thats when I decided to become a CAP member. Also, I always have had a desire to do search and rescue. What is your current position? Capt. Drenkhahn: My current position is aerospace officer for cadets, and I plan activities for cadets in this area. I coordinated the AEX Program in which we did six special activities specifically for the Aerospace Activity Excellence Program for cadets and afterward took a field trip to the Air Force Reserves in Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. My duties also include coordinating other special field trips with the squadron commander. (Continued on page 6) Page 5

Aerospace Excellence Squadron Commander 1 Lt. Paula Ramage accepts CAPs 2005-2006 Aerospace Excellence Education Award on behalf of the squadron from Arizona Wing Commander Col. William Lynch. Eight squadron cadets share in the national honor.

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 Aerospace officer enjoys seeing cadets develop into pilots

(Continued from page 5) What other positions have you had in CAP and/or the squadron? Capt. Drenkhahn: When I was with Squadron 307, I served as safety officer, aerospace officer, testing officer and supply officer. In which community do you live? Capt. Drenkhahn: Glendale. What is your occupation? Capt. Drenkhahn: I am a special education teacher at Eagles Aerie School in Gilbert, where I have taught for the nine years Ive been a teacher. What is your educational background? Capt. Drenkhahn: I have a bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of California at Fresno and a masters degree in special education from Arizona State University. What keeps you interested in CAP? Capt. Drenkhahn: I stay interested in CAP because I take pleasure in watching cadets enjoy the various activities. I like to see cadets become pilots and become disciplined in many areas. CAP is a great organization. I hope to fulfill my own dream of being a pilot.

Milestone anniversary to be marked in May with gala celebration

Reserve the date: A gala celebration observing the 50th anniversary of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Phoenix Elks Lodge No. 335, located at 14424 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. The lodge also was the site of the squadrons well-received Christmas/holiday party in December. Details are being finalized, but adult members, parents and guests are encouraged to mark their calendars and be part of this special event that will include a buffet dinner, cash bar, fellowship, memories and more.

Girls are encouraged to Reach for the Stars at Sally Ride Festival
Female cadets in the fifth through eighth grades are encouraged to take part in Reach for the Stars at the Sally Ride Science Festival scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at The Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, Tempe. Astronaut Wendy Lawrence will be speaking, and workshops for girls will be given by local scientists and engineers. Workshops also are available for patents and teachers on ways to support girls interests in science and math. Advance registration is required. The $18 fee covers the featured talk, workshops, lunch and a street fair. Opportunities are available for cadets to host the Civil Air Patrol booth. See Maj. Ronnea Derby for details. Additional festival information is available online at www.Sallyridefestivals.com/07asu0227/ index.shtml. Page 6

Dates set for FTXs

Cadets should keep the following dates in mind for upcoming field training exercises (FTXs):
Winter FTX Friday-Sunday, Feb.

23-25.
Desert FTX Friday, March 30, to

Sunday, April 1. Full Throttle

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Safety first

Be briefed - not brief - in flight planning

Editors Note: Following is part of a continuing series of articles in Full Throttle discussing useful forms and other references for operational use by new and experienced flight crews.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

by Maj. Tim Beckwith Squadron Safety Officer Prior columns have examined the safety aspects of planning an aircrew sortie as well as required communications when flying a mission. This column looks at the briefing a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircrew receives before moving to the flight-release position prior to flight. The importance of reviewing this checklist thoroughly is to ensure you have completed all required tasks prior to review and approval as part of the preflight briefing. Each is depicted by a box on the Briefing Checklist shown on pages 7-8. Not only does the flight crew need to know the details of the target and what to do if the target is found but also to show completion of all required steps on the checklist. Crews should add the new 60-1 sterile-cockpit procedures to their aircrew briefing. See Checklist item 5 on the front side of the CAPR 104 regarding sortie information. Note the crew (not just the pilot) needs to show via a diagram the grid entry/exit points and route/type of search that is planned, respecting terrain, weather, temperature, turbulence, aircrew experience, etc. Show the briefer, who usually is an experienced mission pilot, your sectional chart with the routing planned to the grid, entry/exit points and hazards to flight, and any reporting points and reporting times if used (for example, to report Operations Normal). Full Throttle

Be aware of route Briefings should include MTRs and MOAs because of the likelihood of encountering military aircraft.

Think Safety

Military flight considerations Note military training routes (MTR) on the map and obtain a thorough briefing on the expected activity along those routes. Arizona is a busy military flying area. Realize the likelihood of encountering military pilots flying the routes under you. Flying weekdays in Arizona will expose CAP crews to this activity. Most CAP crews have had this experience several times not only on but also near an MTR as well as in any of the Military Operations Areas (MOAs). While the CAP crew is searching at 1,000 AGL (feet above ground level), military pilots might be flying terrain masking to practice hiding from radar detection. They will be at 200 AGL to 500 AGL to hide behind hills and duck into valleys while going fairly fast. They will climb and descend rapidly. And, if you see a military aircraft or the shadow of one be sure also to look for the wingman. There almost always is a second jet and frequently a flight of four jets. One of the two or four planes likely is an instructor (Continued on page 8) Page 7

February 2007

Pilots encouraged to log hours for proficiency, actual flight time

Pilots for Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 are encouraged to log pilot-proficiency time in addition to actual flight hours to enable the squadron to keep up targeted paces for hours logged on its Cessna 182 airplane (N9370X). Targets are 17 hours of actual flight time each month to build toward the 200-hour annual requirement. Of that total, at least eight hours per month must be pilot-proficiency time. For January, pilots logged 5.4 hours of actual flight time/5.1 hours of proficiency time. The October-January fiscal year has produced 85.2 hours of actual flight time/28.6 hours of pilot-proficiency time. Approximately 12 hours of proficiency time are needed in February to bring that total current with the monthly pace.

Radio, flight-line safety are key procedures

(Continued from page 6) pilot who is talking with and following a student. Most members of these groups of military personnel are student pilots and busy in the cockpit, so CAP crews need to be mindful, remain on the lookout and avoid them. Be aware Prescott Flight Service is supposed to know the military schedule but sometimes might not have current-use information. Military aircraft from outside of Arizona also might be operating in these areas, so you could see more than fighters and attack aircraft. Most will terminate their MTR flight in the Goldwater Range for weapons use. Another area of particular activity is near Sierra Vista, where unmanned flight might be involved in Restricted Airspace. Unless airspace controlling authority specifically authorizes your entry, stay clear and do not enter any Restricted Airspace. Radio Procedures Item 6 relates to Radio Procedures that have been reviewed in previous columns. Note the procedure to report sightings. Since Mission Base knows in which grid you are flying, only minutes and seconds normally are used. A word on flight-line safety: Note the use of flight-line personnel, especially for directing taxi of your aircraft. Follow their instructions but do NOT ignore safety. It is your responsibility as Pilot in Command (PIC). Remember some personnel are likely to be supervised cadets. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT CLEARANCE FOR THE WING TIPS, WHERE TO GO OR WHERE TO PARK, simply STOP your aircraft and SHUT DOWN the engine. Go out and ask for clarification. You always can restart the engine or push the aircraft (which the cadets enjoy). Just make safety your first priority. It will not happen without your attention.

Think Safety
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Cadets earn advancements in grade

Congratulations to these Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 cadets whose studies and perseverance have earned them promotions to the following grades: To Cadet Senior Master Sergeant: Robert Gassert

To Cadet Master Sergeant: Ben Ferson

Study
Remember ...

Test

Promote

Cadet Honor Code A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those among us who do. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Missions Aerospace Education: To provide aviation education and training, especially to senior and cadet members, and to encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities. CAP also provides an organization of private citizens with adequate facilities to assist in meeting local and national emergencies.
Cadet Programs: To provide Civil Air Patrol cadets with aerospace-oriented programs and

curricula that enhance the leadership and life skills of all cadet members and develop responsible citizens for the U.S. Air Force and the nation.
Emergency Services: To provide humanitarian assistance in peace time and domestic disas-

ters as well as civil defense and military services in a local, regional or national disaster. CAP also performs vital Air Force missions upon request. Civil Air Patrol Core Values Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, Respect Definition of Leadership The art of influencing and directing people in a way that will win their obedience, confidence, respect and loyal cooperation in achieving a common objective.

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