Local CAP Cadets Get VIP Helicopter Tour From Air Force

Did you see the two military helicopters fly down Legion Avenue on Saturday, April 8th? Whitehall residents Lilly and Tim Schober along with nine other members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flew over Whitehall in a pair of UH-1 Huey helicopters just after the Easter Egg Hunt. As a part of the CAP, Lilly and Tim have the opportunity to participate in orientation flights on military aircraft. When asked about her experience, Lilly said "I was nervous because the doors were open, but I really enjoyed it." Saturday's flight was provided by the Air Force's 40th Helicopter Squadron based at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.

The aircrews were returning from training at Camp Guernsey in Wyoming and landed at the Three Forks Airport to educate the CAP cadets on the aircraft. Their primary job with the Air Force is to ensure strategic security by providing flexible, rapid-response helicopter airlift support to the 341st Missile Wing. The 40th Helicopter Squadron has a proud rescue history and currently conducts search and rescue missions in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff National Search and Rescue plan.

The cadets, whose ages range from 12 to 19, arrived at the Three Forks airport at 10 AM, and the helicopters landed shortly thereafter. The aircrews were happy to talk about the aircraft and answer any questions. Tim arranged with the pilots to fly over Whitehall as a part of their flight path. During the flight, the crews piloted their aircraft south and up into the Tobacco Root mountains where they pointed out what to look for in landing zones in the event that CAP needed their assistance during search and rescue missions. After nearly an hour, the helicopters made their way back to Three Forks for a safe landing. "I would absolutely do it again," Lilly exclaimed.

The Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is the official Auxiliary of the Air Force. Cadets can join as young as 12 years old. CAP has three missions; the cadet program, aerospace education, and emergency services. The Gallatin Squadron meets in Belgrade on Monday nights from 6:30-9 PM. For more information visit Gallatin.CAP.gov.