Kids and parents alike were at the Taos Regional Airport last Saturday (Nov. 16) to participate in the 14th Annual Taos Youth Flight Rally and acquire an in-depth look at the wide world of aviation.
The Taos Youth Flight Rally is an event that teaches local youth about airplanes and other aircraft. Volunteer pilots taught kids and their guardians, and some 75 kids were fortunate enough to fly in various planes, from propeller planes to charter jets. The event was supposed to launch Oct. 19, but heavy snow blanketed Taos and grounded planes.
“Our main objective is to get the kids out here who haven’t been around aviation or have interest in it,” Taos Regional Airport Manager Colton Rapstine said. “They get to fly and be around airplanes. It may spark interest in whether they want to be pilots one day or be managers of an airport—things like that. There are many fields in aviation, such as traffic control, management, and the military. There’s a lot of things they can do.”
Andres Romero, a local heating and cooling technician, was rushing back into the parking lot with his family to enjoy the event and see his kids ride a plane. He went to his car and grabbed a sweater for her younger daughter to wear for the hot air balloon ride.
“I think it’s a great event, and it inspired my 16-year-old to look into the Junior [Reserve Officers’ Training Cord],” Romero said. “The coordinator/instructor helped show the kids essential airplane functions. It’s suitable for Taos and for the kids. The Town of Taos seems to be cooperating and helping the youth by doing this.”
Taos first responders were on site handing out food and teaching kids about helicopters in emergencies. The event also provided free hotdogs, burgers, snacks, and beverages for all participants handed out by volunteers.
Representatives of the Civil Air Patrol, a non-profit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, were also there to show a different career path in aviation, as it allows kids to explore military aviation firsthand. They have three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. CAP Deputy Commander Dmitry Calvert, who is in charge of the cadet program in the area, said they aim to help the younger kids who want to join the Air Force have a leg up.
“We try and develop young people,” Calvert said. “If they reach the level of Lieutenant within the cadet program, they enter the Air Force or the Army as an E3 [Airman First Class]. So, they already have a promotion, and their two stripes are out of the way. It’s an excellent program for them on that side, but we are working on physical training. Character development and leadership skills are what the cadet program is about.
Calvert also said senior members are welcome to the cadet programs, which allow the community's members to contribute to the military, which they would not otherwise be able to do otherwise.
Calvert said he’d love to host anyone interested in the CAP cadet program. Those interested can visit the Taos Regional Airport on Thursday nights from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The Taos Youth Flight Rally is a free event sponsored by the Taos Regional Airport, Town of Taos, TriState CareFlight, the local pilots who volunteered, McDonald’s of Taos, Rio Grande Balloons, Taos Aviation Services, Taos Fire Department, Taos Pilots Association, and the Taos Police Department. Town of Taos Event Coordinator Judy Esquibel thanked all who donated, sponsored, and volunteered for all their help this weekend.
“We have 11 staff volunteers signed up today, and they donated their time, aircraft, fuel and talents to give these kids an airplane ride,” Esquibel said. “For some of these kids, it’s their first time getting on a plane and experiencing it. It’s just a community event to give kids an introduction to aviation, and it’s made possible with everybody helping out to make an excellent experience for the locals.”
(1) comment
After reading this article I am more convinced that Taos High School needs an AFJROTC program. JROTC cadets can also be CAP cadets too. Taos High School should get an unit.
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