A successful flight!

On May 12, 2012, the Porterville Flyers in Mukwonago hosted an RC fly day for the CAP Timmerman Composite Squadron.  Cadets Cooper Dozzi, John Klein, Travis Maxwell, and Adam Moore participated in the RC flight day.  All were entertained by the amazing RC flying skills of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) members and their high performance aircraft models.

Each cadet (and even some senior members) had the opportunity to test fly the planes that they built themselves over the course of  5 lessons.  Both RC aircraft constructed by the cadets flew flawlessly and one craft even sported an onboard camera that was used to fly the aircraft using a computer monitor and video goggles.

The Timmerman Composite Squadron would like to thank AMA members Tab Hornburg, Bryan Holly, & Dave Holly from the Porterville Flyers club.  Their donation of time, experience, and aircraft truly made the event a success.

This completes phase 1 of a three phase program to build a functional unmanned aircraft system (UAS).  During this phase each cadet participated in the complete hands-on build process of an RC Aircraft leveraging best practices from the CAP MARC Program. Aerospace education (AE) lectures were combined with hands-on build time to ensure that each cadet could apply theory taught as part of AE to the real-world project.  Lectures and activities included learning about aerodynamic & electronic principles, radio control systems, RC aircraft/wing/engine design & construction, as well as electricity and electromagnetic radiation laws and formulas.

Phase 2 (Video FPV) - Cadets will construct a first-person view (FPV) video system to control the RC plane from a first person perspective via an on-board camera fed wirelessly to video goggles or a video monitor. A pan-and-tilt gimbaled camera will be controlled via a gyroscopic sensor.

Phase 3 (Autopilots & Mission Planning) - Cadets will leverage the ArduPilot open source autopilot platform and various sensors to create an aircraft capable of flying programmed missions via geospatial waypoints.

This event highlighted the collaborative relationship between AMA and CAP in their efforts to nurture and grow youth interest in aviation.  Thanks to Monique Serpas for her excellent photos and to senior members, John Bruwer, Bob June,  and Dan Turkal for their support and participation in the event.

Links
CAP MARC Program
MOU between AMA & CAP
Free AMA Membership (under 19 years older)

A video slideshow of the complete phase 1 build can be found via the video above.

During the class, cadets learned about the various powertrain components of an RC aircraft: the battery (usually a LiPo, aka Lithium Polymer), the Electronic Speed Control (ESC), the Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC), and the motor.  There was a lot of information to cover during the class… battery/electronics safety; the basics of voltage, current, & electric power; how to match a battery, ESC, & motor; and ::drum roll:: how to solder.

Soldering is a requirement for anyone working on electric RC aircraft, and being able to do so safely is very important.  The cadets first reviewed the equipment needed to solder (i.e. soldering iron, fumes exhaust fan, safety glasses, helping hands clamps, etc.) as well as the soldering process.  During the evening, every cadet had a chance to solder wires and various connectors onto the ESC and RC motor connectors.  All cadets completed the supervised activities safely and learned a good deal about basic electronics.  Special thanks to LtCol Robert June for providing expert soldering supervision/safety for the cadets.

Cadets create a unique paint job

Cadets from the squadron continued their progress on the RC model aircraft project.   The evening focused on a recap of control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, & rudder) and on completing the construction of the aircraft (including painting).  Each team created a unique paint scheme for their aircraft, and the results were fantastic.  The cadets learned the function of the horizontal and vertical stabilizors and did a fine job of assembling and gluing the tail sections of the aircraft.   During the next lesson, the cadets will begin to install the electronic components into the aircraft and will learn safety and basics associated with soldering.

Cadets prep the plane for paint

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The desired outcome of Phase 1 of this course is to have each cadet participate in the complete hands-on build process of an RC Aircraft. Aerospace education (AE) lectures will be combined with hands-on build time to ensure that each cadet can apply theory taught as part of AE to a real-world project.  Cadets will learn aerodynamic & electronic principles (science), radio control systems (technology), RC aircraft/wing/engine design & construction (engineering), and electricity & electromagnetic radiation laws and formulas (math).

Attached is some more detailed information concerning the upcoming Ground Team Academy, 17-19 February. Included are arrival and departure times, packing lists, and other pertinent information. The list will look familiar to parents of cadets who participated in the Mission Base Staff/Communications Academy but important information HAS BEEN CHANGED. At this time Lt Col Bob June will be driving the cadets up on Friday and home on Sunday. Lt Col June is a reliable member of our team, a veteran of the USAF Reserve, and has been involved with CAP for many years. Applications for the academy are due this Monday to keep the $35 activity cost. After that it goes up to $45 pre-registered and $50 at the door.

Cadets should already be assembling the minimum required gear for their 24 hour packs. For parents, a 24 hour pack is the gear worn on one’s person while working in the field. Attached is a list of minimum gear for new trainees – this is a new list from the directors of the academy that is different (only slightly) than the one that was last previously emailed and posted on the squadron website. There are one or two small additions to the list; they are minor and you likely already have them at home. I will be pulling the old list from the squadron site and replacing it with this new one. As for a pack to keep the gear in, the squadron has many ALICE frame packs available to be issued, free, to cadets. The ALICE packs are a good place for new ground team members to start. Don’t overspend on a fancy backpack until you know that emergency services is right for you.

NOTE: Courses consist of both classroom and field training. Dress for forecasted winter conditions in the Tomah, WI area.

This email will be re-posted on the squadron website (http://www.timmermancap.org). If you have any questions feel free to contact me, I usually respond most promptly by email.

Thank you,

Dan Turkal, 1st Lt, CAP
Emergency Services Officer
Timmerman Composite Squadron

Ground Team Academy Packing List and Info
Basic 24-Hour Gear List (UPDATED – FEB 8th)
Application for PD Weekend and Ground Team Academy

Cadets get a tour of Lil' Poof from Maj. Stroede

Cadets from the squadron recently participated in the first RC model aircraft project.  Maj Stroede from 10th Senior Support was present to walk the cadets around the aircraft in the CAP hanger and explain how pilot control inputs affect aircraft control surfaces.  The cadets then had the opportunity to work with actual control surfaces (on a miniature scale).

During the build, the cadets split into 2 teams and spent the evening prepping the foam RC aircraft for assembly.  They learned how to cut, glue, and tape the control surfaces to the aircraft .  They also attached the control horns to the control surfaces.  The control horns are small anchor points which attach to a control surface (aileron, elevator, & rudder).  This allows the control surface to be deflected through the use of a servo motor. During the next lesson, the cadets will begin to glue together all of the foam parts together and paint their aircraft.

The project is phase one of a three phase program to build a functional unmanned aircraft.

The desired outcome of Phase 1 of this course is to have each cadet participate in the complete hands-on build process of an RC Aircraft. Aerospace education (AE) lectures will be combined with hands-on build time to ensure that each cadet can apply theory taught as part of AE to a real-world project.

Cadets attach control surfaces to the RC aircraft

Phase 1 (RC Airplane Build) - Cadets will learn aerodynamic & electronic principles (science), radio control systems (technology), RC aircraft/wing/engine design & construction (engineering), and electricity & electromagnetic radiation laws and formulas (math).

Phase 2 (Video FPV) - Cadets will construct a first-person view (FPV) video system to control the RC plane from a first person perspective via an on-board camera, fed wirelessly to video goggles or a video monitor. A pan-and-tilt gimbaled camera will be controlled via a gyroscopic sensor.

Phase 3 (Autopilots & Mission Planning) - Cadets will leverage the ArduPilot open source autopilot platform and various sensors to create an aircraft capable of flying programmed missions via geospatial waypoints.

Thanks to Lt. Bruwer for his support and excellent photos.

Our annual Professional Development Weekend and Ground Team Academy is scheduled for 17 – 19 February at Volk Field, as posted on the Wing and Great Lakes Region websites and as reported to the commanders in October. Some courses may begin Friday evening. We are aiming to complete the Weekend by noon or 1500 Sunday at the latest.

We will be offering five courses this year, namely,a Basic Ground Team Course, Advanced Ground Team Course, a Corporate Learning Course (CLC), a Public Affairs Course (PA) and a Unit Commanders Course (UCC). We anticipate free on site housing for CAP again this year, with a modest fee for meals and logistic expenses. The price for the event is $35 if paid before February 13th, $45 for pre-registrations after Feb 13, and $50 at the door.

New cadets in the squadron are STRONGLY encouraged to take the Basic Ground Team Course. Ground team members are the boots on the ground during emergency operations and have one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs in CAP. The academy is a fantastic opportunity to get the bulk of the Ground Team Member Level 3 training completed in one weekend. This training usually takes months over a period of weekends to complete at the squadron level. All attending must have completed General Emergency Services Training, have a full set of BDUs, and have a basic kit of 24 hour gear (see attached list).  Members without a 24-hour pack should begin compiling the components as soon as possible.  Those who do not have their General ES training complete should attend the Feb 4th “Winter Survival” course at the hangar (times TBA). A portion of this day will be used for the General ES training. Members CANNOT attend the Ground Team Academy without completing General ES.

Complete the application and return it with money ASAP to 1st Lt Turkal.

Application for PD Weekend and Ground Team Academy
Basic 24-Hour Gear List (UPDATED – FEB

Photo by Capt Jeri Gonwa - Left to right: Capt Thomas Kondziella, Timmerman Composite Squadron Commander; Representative Dale Kooyenga, Wisconsin 14th District; C/2d Lt Travis Maxwell

Milwaukee, Wis. – Civil Air Patrol Cadet Travis Maxwell received the General Billy Mitchell Award Monday evening in front of a standing room only crowd. Maxwell’s father, Mr. Timothy Maxwell and State Representative Dale Kooyenga placed the 2nd Lieutenant grade on his shoulders and congratulated him for a job well done.

Captain Thomas Kondziella, Timmerman Composite Squadron commander, presented him with a certificate for the Mitchell award. Kondziella praised Maxwell’s hard work and stated that due to his dedication to the organization, he had earned the grade of cadet officer.

Maxwell joined CAP at the age of 12; the earliest a cadet can join, and currently holds the position of cadet flight commander at Timmerman. He has been on the squadron’s drill team, placing second in the 2009 Great Lakes Region Cadet Competition; as well as on the squadron’s color guard, Cyber Patriot team, worked in various emergency service positions, assisted at numerous air shows, including EAA’s AirVenture. He has consistently taken top honors in fund raising events and is currently working on the squadron’s unmanned aerial vehicle project. He recently started the process of obtaining his private pilot’s license.

Currently a sophomore in high school, he plans to attend the University of North Dakota. His goal in life is to join the Air Force with hopes of securing a pilot slot, eventually become a commercial airline pilot after serving his country.

When asked about how he feels about reaching this milestone in CAP, Maxwell stated, “This achievement makes me feel like all the work I have done in the past three years, all the great opportunities, and all the great people that I have been around and exposed to have all served a purpose in shaping me and making me the person that I am today.”
The Mitchell Award, established in 1964, honors the late General Billy Mitchell, an aviation pioneer and advocate of an independent U.S. Air Force. The award is the second major milestone of the cadet program and according to national headquarters, only 15% of cadets obtain this achievement.
Cadets who receive the Mitchell award are eligible for advanced placement to the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enter the U.S. Air Force as well as advanced placement in other branches of the service.  In addition, Mitchell cadets are eligible for advance credit in the AFROTC program, various CAP scholarships, as well as participate in special National Cadet Specialized Activities (NCSA).

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 61,000 members nationwide. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 54 lives in fiscal year 2011. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to nearly 27,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for 70 years. It is a major partner of Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com for more information on CAP. For Wisconsin Wing information, please visit http://wicap.us.

This is a fantastic training opportunity that only comes around once a year! All cadets attending will take the Mission Communications Track. Cadets will walk away from this weekend with their Basic and Advanced Communications User Training (BCUT/ACUT) completed as well as being Mission Radio Operator trainees. Time permitting, they may also receive training to be Mission Staff Assistants.

DO NOT mail the form to the address listed on the application.  That address is our own hangar so just bring it to the Monday meeting and turn it in to me.

The training will be held at Volk Field Air National Guard base in Camp Douglas, WI.  Transport to and from Volk will be provided – we will depart from Timmerman on Friday (time TBD) and arrive back on Sunday late afternoon/early evening.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

2d Lt Dan Turkal
Emergency Services Officer
Timmerman Composite Squadron

Interested in becoming a mission communicator and don’t know where to start?  Or perhaps you want to upgrade to a mission base staff rating? Or would you like to renew an expiring specialty?

If any of that interests you, then Wisconsin Wing’s Mission Base Staff & Communications Academy is for you!

Wisconsin Wing will hold the fourth annual Mission Base Staff & Communications Academy on January 13 – 15 at Volk Field ANGB, Camp Douglas (just 15 miles east of Tomah). Cost for this training is $45 per person preregistered ($35 if you preregister before 10 January). This price includes course materials, meals (breakfasts, lunches, and Saturday evening dinner) and billeting at Volk Field ANGB for Friday night and Saturday night. We expect this to be an Air Force Assigned training mission, so reimbursement for Wisconsin Wing members should be available; members must register vehicles and/or corporate aircraft to be eligible for reimbursement.

We will present four separate training tracks (students will apply for only one):

Mission Communications Track – Even if you have no communications experience at all, you will walk away from the weekend as a Mission Radio Operator ready to operate in a comm center on any size mission. And if you do have some experience, this will be a great refresher!

Basic Mission Management Track – We will present a sub-track for those looking to serve either in the Operations Branch (such as an Air Operations Branch Director or a Ground Branch Director), or alternately to serve in a support function (such as in the Logistics or Finance/Admin Section, or as a Communications Unit Leader). This track is for members looking to upgrade their specialties as much as it is for those looking for a good refresher.

Advanced Mission Management Track – If you’re looking for more of a challenge and are looking to become rated as a Section Chief or higher, this is the training track for you. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have the training you need to plan and execute a SAR or DR incident and to serve on the Command or General Staff of our largest incidents.

Registration

This training is open to cadets and senior members alike. Further, individuals from other emergency response agencies are welcome to attend. Billeting will be available free from Volk Field for all attendees. The application for this training event is attached (in both MS Word format and Adobe PDF). Applications must be received by 10 January 2010! Any received after that time are subject to a $10 late fee.

Payment of $45 ($35 if you preregister and pay before 10 January), which covers both course materials as well as meals, can be made by cash or check/money order (made payable to Civil Air Patrol), or via unit funds transfer (to WI-002).

Lt Col John Lange
projectofficer@wiwg.cap.gov
414-257-1327

Download Application Here – Adobe PDF

Download Application – Word Doc

A reminder – there will be no meeting on Monday, Dec 26th so we will see you next year on Monday, January 2nd!