Sandhills Senior Squadron uses generator for aircrew ground training!

By: 1st Lt Glenda Engstrom, CAP

Public Affairs Officer, Sandhills Senior Squadron

 

Sandhills Senior Squadron purchased a portable generator to be used for aircrew ground training in the Cessna 182 G1000 and the Cessna 172 G430.  The generator was purchased before Covid restrictions were in place so it was not in full use until recently and the expectations have gone above and beyond what was anticipated. The Generator is a Champion Power Equipment 2000.  It is a 1700-watt ultra-light Portable Inverter Generator.  It weighs only 38 pounds.  It provides 11.5 hours run time with a 1.1-gallon tank.  This gem of a generator also offers smart Economy Mode, which can reduce the electrical load, offering quieter operation, better fuel economy and extended engine life.  2d Lt Alex Batista commented, “I believe having a generator with an external power supply has been the single most important aviation asset after the airplane itself!  Not only does it save Civil Air Patrol money by being able to train while on the ground, but also makes the training environment much more relaxed for the trainee.” 

The Garmin G1000 in the Cessna 182 is one of the most complex avionics systems in general aviation.  The generator allows the airplane to have the avionics system on while parked and tied down on the ramp at the airport.  Trainees can simulate missions like they are flying high in the sky without the actual cost of the airplane leaving the ground.  The trainees are more familiar with the avionics system before ever being on an actual flight.  Lt Col Kenneth McKethen said it best, “Mastering the complexities of the cockpit is no easy task for aircrews.  Training and proficiency require a combination of classroom, online and actual airtime experience.  There is no substitute for getting one’s fingers on the knobs for Becker, CAP DFM radio, and especially the daunting Garmin G1000 and G430 systems.  Actual hands-on time in the air is necessarily limited: it is not nearly enough to ensure ongoing proficiency.  Providing this unlimited access to realistic hands-on training based around our auxiliary power unit (APU) is one of the best investments we could have possibly made for mission readiness.” 

For More Information:

1st Lt Glenda Engstrom, CAP

E-mail:Glenda.Engstrom@ncwgcap.org