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Carroll CAP Cadet Earns Solo Wings
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Capt. Jon Buck, C/2d Lt Ariel Rabe, and Maj. Christian Ready celebrate after dousing Rabe with water and presenting him solo wings following his solo flight.
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By
2d Lt Brenda Reed
Public Affairs Officer
Posted September 20, 2004
WESTMINSTER, MD -- Civil Air Patrol Cadet Second Lieutenant Ariel Rabe earned his solo pilots' wings on September 4, 2004. His solo flight occurred at the Carroll County Regional Airport in Westminster.
Rabe, of Owings Mills, is a member of the Carroll Composite Squadron. He began his flight training with orientation flights provided by the squadron. In July, he attended Civil Air Patrol's Powered Flight Academy at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Upon returning from the school, he continued his pilot training under the direction of Carroll Composite Squadron's Captain Jon Buck.
Before his solo flight, Cadet Rabe was required to attend ground school, pass the Federal Aviation Administration's medical exam, and have at least ten hours of logged flight time. In addition, he had to demonstrate that he was able to be the pilot in command. During his solo flight, he was required to fly the airplane in the airport's traffic pattern, land, and taxi three times as the aircraft's sole occupant.
According to Rabe, during his solo flight he had three other planes in the flying pattern with him. "To fly an airplane you need four hands and two brains," said Rabe. He credits Capt. Buck, an FAA-certified flight instructor, for assisting in achieving his goal of flying solo. Rabe said the best part of the flight was making the radio call using his own call sign, "The Raver".
Following his solo flight, the Carroll Composite Squadron held a traditional dunking ceremony, followed by a presentation of solo wings to Rabe at the US Army Reserve Center in Westminster. The wings were presented by Capt. Buck and Major Christian Ready, Commander of Carroll Composite Squadron.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Rabe, 18, is a senior at Owings Mills High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Engineering Club, Jewish Culture Club, and jazz band. He hopes to attend the US Air Force Academy while pursuing a career as a pilot or engineer.
He has been a member of Civil Air Patrol's Carroll Composite Squadron for three years, where he currently serves as Deputy Cadet Commander.
The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The mission of the Cadet Program is to provide the youth of our nation a quality program that enhances their leadership skills through an interest in aviation, and simultaneously provide services to the U.S. Air Force and the local community.
The Carroll Composite Squadron meets every Tuesday night at the US Army Reserve Center on Malcolm Drive in Westminster. Prospective cadets, age 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. More information can be found at www.carrollcap.org.
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