CARIBOU — Training exercises for pilots, mission observers and mission scanners made Aug. 20 a busy weekend for member of the County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air patrol, as several training missions were flown each day from the Caribou Municipal Airport.
Contributed photo/Capt. Ray Burby
Volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol Caribou Squadron took images of the early part of Feed the County Summerfest on Aug. 20.
“The training conducted helps our members hone their skills with the radios and other equipment we use to complete our Missions for America,” explained Captain Ray Burby.
Exercises included finding coordinates on the ground from the plane using the global positioning system and conducting photo reconnaissance missions, including aerial photos of Feed the County Summerfest and the former heating plant at the Loring Commerce Centre.
As Capt. Burby explained, CAP mission observers and scanners must practice taking photos from the air; official’s photos should have no wing struts or wheels in them, and they must practice recording information about the photo, GPS info, altitude and direction.
Contributed photo/Capt. Ray Burby
The former heating plant at the Loring Commerce Centre was mostly still standing on Aug. 20, after the attempted demolition on Aug. 13.
This was one of many training exercises conducted by the CAP this summer — they meet twice a month. The Caribou Squadron of the CAP currently has 19 members, four cadets, and 15 senior members. Three members completed the training mission on Aug. 20 — Lt. Col. Tom Goetz, Capt. David Barbosa and Capt. Burby.
The group is always looking for new members; cadets must be 12 years old and senior members must be at least 19. Additional information about the group can be obtaining by visiting the County Composite Squadron on Facebook. Information regarding the Civil Air Patrol is available at www.gocivilairpatrol.com or by visiting www.capvolunteernow.com. Interested individuals can also contact Capt. Burby at 492-1615.
