Overlake Squadron members take their first solo flights

Published 1:53 pm Monday, August 4, 2014

The Overlake Squadron, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), recently sent five cadets aged 15-17 to the CAP Flight Academy in Ephrata, Wash. and all five flew solo, some before driving a car.

The Federal Aviation Administration allows cadets aged 14 to fly solo in gliders and those aged 16 to fly powered aircraft like the Cessna 172. The cadet program provides leadership and aerospace training to youth aged 12 and older.

The Redmond-based CAP draws its membership from communities throughout the Eastside. The unit meets Tuesday evenings at the Army Reserve National Guard Armory at 17230 N.E. 95th St. on Education Hill. For more information, visit www.overlakecap.org.

CAP is the official volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.