Blog Posts

Past Events held at SVA, 2018

1/31/2018

This is a list of past events (starting 2018) to offer the viewer a broad spectrum of programs offered here:

~ 12/4 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron welcomed Chuck Campbell as a presenter. Mr. Campbell was a World War II naval aviator, and after the war continued his service in the Naval Reserve and the Army National Guard. Before his military retirement, he was the oldest helicopter pilot in the NC National Guard. At 94, he is in the final stage of building his homemade version of a 1929 Pietenpol Air Camper. Many joined us to honor this WWII veteran, and shared in his stories of a life in aviation.

~ 11/17 Sugar Valley Craftsmen hosted another raku workshop. Ray Travis guided folks in making raku candlestick holders. No experience was necessary for this, just another opportunity to be creative with clay!

~ 10/27 an RC (radio controlled) airplane club came to SVA. Visitors were welcome to come see the planes and visit with the club members to learn more about RC's.

~ 10/2 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted the CAP speaker
Charles Willard and Chris Keon, presenting about “Unmanned Systems for Public Safety". This presentation covered how unmanned systems can be safely and effectively used in public safety applications. A variety of unmanned systems was shown, including the technologies used to stream live video to public safety agencies.
This event was open to public.

~ 8/7 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron welcomed Major Anthony Thompson for the Speaker Series, with the topic "Preparing for Success- Flying in the Air Force and Beyond".

Major Thompson currently serves as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the United States Air Force Academy in the Air Force Reserve. Prior to this assignment he spent 12 years on active duty flying jets, including 2 tours as an instructor pilot for undergraduate pilot training.
Major Thompson received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2003. After graduation he completed undergraduate pilot training and was hand-selected as a first assignment instructor pilot. He is a senior pilot with over 3,100 hours flying the T-6, T-38, and F15E. While flying the F-15E, he deployed to Afghanistan twice and flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Maj Thompson is currently a student at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is co-author with Dr. J. Bayne Selby, an interventional radiologist and CAP mission pilot in the SC Wing, of an article in press for the journal, Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, entitled, “Aviation and Interventional Medicine.”

This event was open to public.

~ 7/10 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted Dennis Boyd, as a monthly speaker with the topic "From a J3 to a 767: Dream It and You Can Do It!". Dennis Boyd is a retired Captain at Piedmont Airlines, who inspires cadets, senior members and guests with stories of his career in aviation. Dennis is also the grandfather of one of our new cadets.

~ 6/16 Plein Air painting one day workshop with Artist Craig Richards, 9 am- 4 pm. Please contact C. Richards at 336-655-4888 for additional info.

~ 6/9 & 6/16 Sugar Valley Craftsmen hosted a 2-part Creating Raku Sculptures pottery workshop (creating sculptures using the medium of raku clay). Dr. Michael Oliphant and Ray Travis demonstrated different techniques using a slab of raku clay, and then participants had the opportunity to see the form in the clay and create. The first session was at the Sugar Valley Pottery Studio, and the 2nd session was at Ray Travis’ studio.

~ 6/5 Zack Hutchens, former Sugar Valley Composite Squadron cadet, talked about "Beyond CAP's Core Values: Reflections and Lessons from My CAP Career." Zack is a friend of Sugar Valley Airport, and an exemplary example of one who lives his core values. We are honored to have him here again.
Zack was a Civil Air Patrol cadet from 2010 to 2015, and earned the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. He was very involved in emergency services at the Squadron and Wing levels, and was one of the organizers and instructors for the Group 4 Emergency Services Training at Sugar Valley in 2014. Inspired by CAP's aerospace education program, he pursued a degree in physics from High Point University. He is currently a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNC Chapel Hill.

~ 6/ 9 FAA Safety Seminars: the first seminar: ADS-B for General Aviation*, the second on airplane maintenance that pilots/owners can do themselves (Maintenance - It's Just a Cub).

Speaker(s): Robbie Geer / Tim Haley
1)* At this meeting participants were introduced to some of the concepts of NextGen and the equipment that one would need before January 1, 2020. We covered ADS-B System Components & Characteristics to include ground infrastructure as well as aircraft equipment. Participants gained a new understanding of ADS-B Airspace.

~5/29 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted an open house.
More info here.

~5/1 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted John P. Fennell III as our monthly speaker, presenting on the topic "How Military Life Prepares You for the Future".
Our guest speaker, John Fennell, and Lt Mobley share something in common--they care deeply and work tirelessly for our veterans. John works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Military Services Coordinator.
It was a Veterans Coffee hosted at the Childress Racing Enterprises where some of our squadron members first met John. He was one of the main speakers and a facilitator for the event. John is an advocate for all the veterans that he serves. With twenty-five years in the Air Force, he also cares about those young people who are considering a life in the USAF.
Speaker's Bio: Born in Burga, NC, John served as the Commander of Jr ROTC in high school, where discipline and integrity were instilled. At 17 years old, his military career began when he joined the NC Army National Guard. After graduating high school, he transferred over to active duty in the US Air Force. Starting as an Aircraft Communication and Navigation System Technician, John also held many positions, including Avionics Instructor and First Sergeant. He retired after 25 years of service. He was stationed in Mississippi, Florida, California and Washington while in the Air Force, and also traveled to England, Germany, Czech Republic, Korea, Italy and Kuwait. He now lives in High Point, and is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Military Services Coordinator. Mr. Fennell’s education includes several associate degrees from Community College of Air Force, Bachelor in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, and Masters Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University.

~ 4/14 Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) hosted a fly-in for AMA members and guests at SVA.
The Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) was chartered in 1968 and is the oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned Club in North Carolina. RAMS leases property in eastern Rowan County for their home flying field. All members are required to obtain AMA membership.
Throughout the year, many neighboring clubs host fly-ins at their own home fields and several of RAMS members are regular participants. RAMS hosts a few fly-ins at locations other than their home field, which includes Sugar Valley during Spring and Fall. RC flying out of a full-scale airport adds another level of uniqueness to this hobby. RAMS welcomes any AMA member to fly with them at any of their off-site events. Any size and type of RC aircraft are welcome.
Speaking of size and type: Model aircraft have really blossomed in recent years. Virtually ANY full-scale aircraft that has ever flown has been represented as a flying model aircraft. The advent of lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors has made fully-electric model aircraft a reality and with impressive performance. Gas/glow motors still have a healthy presence and have enjoyed improved performance and reliability. Real jet engines and electric ducted fans now make model jet aircraft an option for real adrenaline junkies.
For more information please connect with John Gaskey- John.Gaskey@duke-energy.com.

~ 2/17-18 & 3/24-25 CAP Wilderness Advanced First Aid class.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or WAFA, is a 32 to 38 hour class that covers nearly all aspects of advanced first aid for both injuries and illnesses that occur more than 1 hour from rescue or higher level health services.
During the course, participants explored techniques for assessment, triage and response to injuries or illness involving all body systems under a wide variety of circumstances. Whether the rescuer is involved in a multi-victim incident or working with a solitary individual, the fundamental approach emphasizes observing, thinking, planning and personal safety.
In addition to the didactic or book-learning material, participants experienced a wide variety of illness and injury scenarios that provided hands-on opportunity to develop and practice the skills necessary to helping those who are victims. WAFA is especially designed for those situations where the victim(s) need to be cared for, stabilized and potentially transported to locations where more advanced health care can be made available.

~ 3/6 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted author Ray Haas, who talked about the poem “High Flight,” and the book he has written about the poem’s writer, John Gillespie Magee. His book, “Touching the Face of God,” explores the life of Magee and how he was able to capture the essence of flying in his poem:
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…”
Ray Haas developed a passion for aircraft and flying at an early age. He earned a private pilot’s license for both gliders and aircraft while serving in the US Navy as an electronics technician. He is a member of Civil Air Patrol and EAA, also a member of the EAA Speaker Bureau.
This fascinating evening about history, aviation and one man’s mission to serve was open to public.

~ 1/30 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron’s annual Awards Banquet. This was the squadron’s time to honor the hard work and accomplishments of senior members and cadets in the past year. Along with great dining and some entertainment, family members and invited guests from other squadrons joined in fellowship and fun.
Our keynote speaker was James R. Gorham, retired Brigadier General from the NC National Guard. He is the first African American to achieve the promotion to General in the NC National Guard. Most of his adult life has been in service to the country, as an enlisted soldier in the US Army, followed by serving in the NC National Guard as an officer.

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This is a list of past events (starting 2018) to offer the viewer a broad spectrum of programs offered here:​

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This is a list of past events (starting 2018) to offer the viewer a broad spectrum of programs offered here: