We have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for 6 years, ever since our son was a Cub Scout in the 1st grade. He’s had so many cool adventures, and as an assistant scoutmaster, so have I! Now as a First Class Scout, he is learning leadership skills, making connections and gaining amazing opportunities, one of which occurred in early February.
One of our former scoutmasters, Mr. Joe Harvey is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and accomplished pilot. The other day he let Caleb fly his Cessna 172, Skyhawk II. We departed from Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) and headed north to Mathews County, specifically the New Point Lighthouse. During the flight Mr. Harvey and Caleb performed an “engine failure” drill and a “controlled stall” at altitude. The engine failure drill included a spiral pattern over the New Point Lighthouse. Turns were up to 60o, which was pretty fun!
When we returned to PHF, they did two touch and go “options” before the third landing for a full stop. Mr. Harvey let Caleb set up the approach, adjust the flaps and bring the plane almost to the ground where, Just before touchdown, Mr. Harvey resumed control, touched down, and then powered back up. By the final landing it was nighttime.
It was an amazing experience for the whole family but the best part were the views! It could have been much more exciting but we declined. Mr. Harvey said that our flight was considered a “level 1” out of a 5 point scale. He said that a “level 5” includes flips! I think I need to work up to that.
Time to earn the Aviation Merit Badge!
This is the view across Newport News, VA towards the James River.
Our lives in the boys hands!
Gloucester Point, Virginia.
Mobjack Bay in the foreground, the York after that and the James way off in the distance during an epic sunset!
Another view of the sunset.
I'd guess about a 40o turn...
New Point Comfort Lighthouse in Mathews County on the Mobjack Bay.
The Coleman Bridge, Gloucester Point, and the sunset!
The first touch-and-go..
The final Landing of the evening.
