On September 22, Gordon Darnbrough, Creston Valley Airport Operations Management welcomed 20 cadets from 552 Key City Air Cadet Squadron, Cranbrook, for a day of learning more about aviation and flight operations at their regional airport.

CASARA members (Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association) spoke to the cadets about their roles and responsibilities, different styles of searches and what to do if you become lost. They also stressed the importance of preparation to avoid becoming lost. During the tour of their hanger, cadets learned about the aircraft CASARA uses and why.

Gordon Jeffery used a model helicopter to assist his presentation and discussed the principles of flight and how it differs with a helicopter verses a plane.

A few Creston flying club members were on hand to show off their planes. Dennis Miller, White Super Cub (amphibious); Al Latka – Super Cub; Kriegler LaRue – Piper Tomahawk; and Vern Baugh – 1946 Chieftain. Cadets had many questions for all of the pilots. After the tours, Vern started his 72-year-old Chieftain by hand rotating the propeller. This plane can only be flown in the day-time because it doesn’t have any lights on the dash or the outside of the plane.

Cadets had a great experience and would like to thank Bob Kitching for assisting in organizing this activity. Everyone is looking forward to next years’ visit and learning new things.

Lead image: Vern Baugh showing cadets his 1946 Chieftain. Photos submitted

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