Pilots Soar High with Mountain Fury 2024
By: Capt Jacob McIntosh, CAP
Asst Public Affairs Officer, Asheville Composite Squadron
The North Carolina Wing conducted its 18th Mountain Fury which was hosted by the Asheville Composite Squadron on June 7th & 8th, 2024. Normally, pilots are trained to fly high above mountainous terrain – but not at Mountain Fury! CAP Mission Pilots from across North Carolina flew to Asheville for the weekend to receive training centered around flying in challenging, mountainous terrain. Each pilot undergoes a four-hour classroom training on the intricacies of flying in mountainous terrain and then a rigorous, hands-on practical application flight with a CAP Evaluator to put those new skills to the test in our challenging mountain flight path.
Maj Scott Stevens, Incident Commander, said of the event, “it’s a unique set of skills that we’re happy to be able to share with other people so they can be safer pilots. On top of that it's an opportunity for our squadron to come together and do something as a team. We have over 50 people participating in the mission today, most of which are cadets under 18.”
Eight students flew into the Asheville Regional Airport from across North Carolina for this weekend of training. The eight student pilots included: 1st Lt Alex Batista (NC-171), Maj Brett E Benson (NC-006), Capt Michael A Cardinale (NC-023), 1st Lt Bryan B Conner (NC-048), Maj Charles H Dawson (NC-022), Lt Col William L Fountain (NC-162), Capt Wendy J Peters (NC-048), and Lt Col William D Reed (NC-001).
Lt Col Bill Reed, a first-time student, stated “Flying over the spectacular mountains is one thing, flying in the range for search and rescue purposes is a very different thing. This course prepares NCWG pilots and crews to do our work safely and effectively in mountainous topography. The supporting members of Asheville squadron, along with Major Scott Stevens and the entire leadership staff did a fantastic job. I highly recommend this course to mission pilots who have a lot to learn about mountain flying and for those who intend to stay proficient with their mountain flying skills.”
The seven Flight Evaluators include: Lt Col Arnold H Andresen (NC-019), Lt Col Richard G Augur (NC-019), Lt Col Wallace C Courtney (NC-019), Lt Col Raymond G Davis (NC-019), Maj David S Hartman (NC-019), Col Larry J Ragland (NC-001), Capt Jeffrey A Smith (NC-121),
An operation of this scale cannot even begin to come together without trained, prepared, and well-organized staff. “Mountain Fury is a place where different skills can be formed and developed. It is a school to certify pilots to fly search and rescue missions; however, it can’t run without trained Flight Line personnel, Air Operations staff, radio operators, van drivers, kitchen staff, and more. This event provides a chance for all levels of learners to come and experience something new or continue to develop skills that will help in all aspects of life both inside and outside of Civil Air Parol.” 1st Lt Isabella Ross, Air Operations Mission Staff Assistant.
The success of the event is the embodiment of CAP’s mission of volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
For More Information:
Capt Jacob McIntosh, CAP
E-mail: jacob.mcintosh@ncwgcap.org
