Capt Hayden Collins

The Civil Air Patrol National Glider Flight Academy held in Rome this week is one of eight such programs held across the country this summer.  As Georgia’s senior representative to the Cadet Advisory Council, Hayden Collins attended a meeting on Tuesday with the 20 cadets taking part in the program.

After 30 hours of ground instruction and 10 hours of flight instruction with a certified flight instructor, the high-ranking cadets will be prepared for a solo flight leading toward private glider rating.  In addition, this national special activity brings together young people from all over the U.S. with a shared interest in aerospace education.  Hayden noted that Rome is one of the best areas for flying gliders, with the surrounding mountains provide good updraft and downdraft conditions.  “Seeing the world from this perspective and the silence of your voyage to the earth creates a rush that you will never forget.”

Founded in 1941 to utilize the U.S.’s civilian aviation resources in the WW II war effort, Hayden Collins commends the opportunities that CAP continues to offer for cadets to learn and experience leadership skills.  Local programs in Bartow County and special programs like the National Flight Academy prepare them to make the most of their future, and to serve as leaders in their communities.