ALVA, Oklahoma USA — Dozens of miniature spacecraft lifted off from Alva’s Regional Airport Saturday, July 12, as the Enid Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol met with Professor Steve Maier of NWOSU to launch model rockets.

For six CAP cadets this met another step toward their rocketry badge. Earning the badge requires cadets to take three written tests on safety and the history of rocketry as well as the launch of three or more different rockets ranging from simple “fizzy flyers” to larger multi-stage rockets capable of carrying a small payload. Senior CAP member Brian Thomas arranged the launch with the assistance of Airport Manager Gerald Benson who suggested contacting Steven Maier, NWOSU physics professor, for assistance.

Top row: Cadets Matthew Thomas and Tim Johnson sign in for the recent rocket launch day at Alva Regional Airport; Cadet Matthew Thomas inspects his rocket prior to launch. Middle row: Cadets Tim Johnson, Brian Thomas Jr., Jared McConnell, Hannah Doss, Matthew Thomas, Logan McConnell and 2nd Lt. Dave Doss listen to instructions given by NWOSU Physics Professor Steven Maier; Bottom row: Steven Maier and Hannah Doss prepare to launch a large rocket; Steven Maier and Brian Thomas Sr. oversee the rocket launches.

Mr. Maier enthusiastically agreed to help the squadron, bringing several launching pads as well as providing a safety briefing before the first rocket launch.

Cadets took turns launching rockets and measuring the altitude of others’ rockets. The smallest, measuring only about eight inches in height, flew only a few hundred feet. The largest – homemade by Steve Maier, and almost as tall as he – flew so high it briefly disappeared from sight.

Friends and family members from the Alva and Enid areas joined in the fun and excitement. Maier’s wife, Amber, and children Leah and Jenna, helped the cadets to properly prepare the rockets each had made from a kit.

The rockets were powered by solid fuel which, once ignited, will burn even under water. If a rocket failed to launch, Cadets had to wait for a safety margin to pass before trying again.

Most of the rockets took off beautifully after countdown. Only a few were recalcitrant and needed to be re-ignited. Following the launch-filled morning, the Cadets went to the home of Brian Thomas and family – all of whom are CAP members – for a cookout before enjoying a swim at Alva’s pool.

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary arm of the U.S. Air Force. Its mission is threefold – emergency services, the cadet program and aerospace education.

In CAP’s Cadet Programs, youth 12 to 21 years old can develop leadership and technical skills as well as learn about aviation and space.

They also learn and savor training in advanced technologies, survival, search and rescue, leadership, radio communications, model rocketry, flight training (glider and powered), CPR, photography, astronomy, physical fitness, sports, and much more.

CAP cadets can participate in search and rescue and humanitarian missions as qualified radio operators, ground team members, and mission staff assistants. Our cadets have even been credited with locating downed aircraft, finding missing people, and saving lives.

In January of this year, the Oklahoma CAP held a search and rescue training weekend in Alva. The CAP and the cadets volunteer for special events in the Alva area. They serve as parking directors at the annual Oklahoma Festival of Flight held each year at the Alva Regional Airport.

Copyright © 2008, The Alva Review-Courier & Newsgram.