By: Edir Coronado
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program of Union County ended their action packed summer by providing a presentation to community members in the Scotch Plains Library. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-combatant organization, which is an auxiliary of the Air force, made up of civilian volunteers. Cadets had the opportunity to teach local students about aerospace concepts, as well as give hands-on training on how to use a flight simulator. The purpose of the event was to serve as an outreach program to display what the cadet program encompasses, hopefully sparking some interest among the student population in Scotch Plains and the surrounding towns within Union County.
The day was broken down into two sections. The cadets first presented a PowerPoint explaining topics, such as how wings create lift; which, according to NASA, is a subject that many internet sources, textbooks, and encyclopedias get wrong. The theory NASA uses is what the cadets explained in their presentation, the Bernoulli’s principle. NASA also refers to an Isaac Newton theory, but explains that the Bernoulli’s theory is correct, along with Newton’s theory. Other topics covered in the first session included the axis of an airplane and also the parts of an airplane that control maneuvers.
The second portion of the program was dedicated to more hands-on instruction. Students at the library were instructed on how to use flight simulators. Two simulators were used in the demonstration. Attendees could practice how to take off, land, fly, and could also learn the different instruments on a plane and how they affect the planes movements. Afterwards, paper model rockets were displayed in order to teach basic principles of flight.
Jose and Ceri Vergara are in charge of the Civil Air Patrol. Ceri explains that the Civil Air Patrol began during World War II for the purpose of allowing civilians, who owned airplanes, to get involved. During the September 11th attacks, civilian airplanes were used for reconnaissance. The Civil Air Patrol Program has programs for both adults and teenagers, ages 12-18. Currently, the Civil Air Patrol Program of Union County has 6 adult members, these members are in charge of providing education and scheduling activities for the group. The group meets Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. at Chatham High School.
Jose and Ceri were inspired to join the Civil Air Patrol by their daughter, Veronica Vergara, who attends Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains. Currently, Veronica is the elder of the cadets and has taken over as senior cadet.
Jose notes that countless students looking to go to college in the near future often seek extracurricular activities in order to stand out. This is where a program like Civil Air Patrol could be useful. Ceri feels that in addition to the program looking good on your resume, students also have the opportunity to learn and experience things that they might not in a regular school setting. One parent, Ceri recalls, stated at a parent’s meeting, “This is the best kept secret in the United States!”
For more information on the Civil Air Patrol please visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com, www.njwg.cap.gov, and gocivilairpatrol.com.
