Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
Jason Long, 17, knows what he wants to do, and he’s taking the steps he must to realize his lifelong dream: to become a pilot.
“Since he was just 2 years old, he has wanted to fly airplanes, all kinds of airplanes,” said Katrina Long, his mother.
This week, Jason Long is attending an Air Force camp where he is getting a chance to put his hands on flight simulators and find out what it’s like to fly a fighter. In the meantime, he also is active in the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, and he recently earned his solo flight certification.
He joined the Linn-Benton Composite Squadron four years ago and has worked and studied his way to the rank of cadet chief master sergeant.
He joined the Air Patrol after seeing a flyer, he said. His parents also joined.
Their squadron is based in Lebanon and meets from 7 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday. The Civil Air Patrol is open to anyone between 12 and 21. Those past the age of 21 can become senior members.
As a Civil Air Patrol cadet, members are automatically eligible to take what’s called an “O ride.” This is a powered flight with a Civil Air Patrol pilot where the cadet can find out what it is like to be a pilot. Long completed his five rides within his first year.
This summer, Long was accepted into two of the Civil Air Patrol’s National Cadet Activities after he ranked number two in the state of Oregon in the Air Patrol’s Oregon Wing.
In the first, from June 23 to July 3, he traveled to Oshkosh, Wis., and attended the National Flight Academy. He received 10 hours of ground instruction and 10 hours of powered flight instruction.
He soloed within nine hours, Long said. The average time is 25 hours.
This is part of the requirement to obtain a private pilot’s license, and he is now eligible to apply for Civil Air Patrol scholarships to complete his pilot training and earn his license.
The trip to Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., runs from July 15 to July 22 for “fighter pilot training school,” formally called the Air Force Air Education and Training Command. This is a one-week course designed to give Civil Air Patrol cadets an introduction to Air Force flight training.
Cadets get the opportunity to attend class, observe and learn beside real Air Force student pilots. Long also is receiving briefings on the missions and operations of a flight training wing, academics and physical training.
“Joining Civil Air Patrol was just one step that Jason has taken toward achieving his final goals,” Katrina Long said. “Civil Air Patrol is not just about pilots and flying. It also has a great aerospace education and leadership program. There are many opportunities for young adults in the Civil Air Patrol.”
Jason Long will start his senior year at Sweet Home High School. After graduation he plans to become a fighter pilot. He plans to attend Embry Riddle University in Prescott, Ariz., in the Air Force ROTC program. After he earns his four-year degree, he will be a second lieutenant upon graduation and continue into flight school.