Tours will allow visitors to view the Civil Air Patrol’s aircraft and hear from members about emergency services provided, aerospace education opportunities and cadet training programs during the free open house, according to a CAP news release.

Many flight opportunities have been provided this summer for adults to hone their search skills and cadets to get an accelerated start in the world of aviation, the release stated. The squadron added another mission-ready pilot in August, better enabling the search team to launch quickly when called upon. Full aircrew search teams consisted of three adults, only one of whom was required to hold a pilot license. Members were able to use the squadron’s Cessna 172 to practice skills nearly every week, based on individual schedules.

Cadets experienced a variety of training both on the ground and in the air. More than half of locally assigned cadets received training flights and performed basic aircraft maneuvers under the supervision of a skilled pilot at a safe altitude.

“I’m excited to say, not many 12-year-olds can say they’ve flown an aircraft,” new member Cadet Caleb Haun said while returning to the airport during his first flight. Four cadets from Minot attended the state’s week-long military-style training encampment at Camp Grafton, Devil’s Lake, and one cadet returned to train on ground search and rescue operations. Some of the additional ground training was at members’ cost for food and lodging, while weekly ground training and flight training were included with the yearly cadet membership of $30.

“I enjoy CAP for the social aspect,” Capt. David West said in explaining why he stays with CAP. West received North Central Region’s nomination for best aerospace education instructor for 2023 across seven states. He also served as aircrew, ready to search for missing aircraft or vehicles and provide aerial photographs during disasters such as mitigating flooding.

Individuals interested in learning more about CAP are encouraged to attend Saturday’s open house or a weekly meeting held Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Avflight.